Mini O's Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next session?
The Mini O’s Winter 2025 session will run from January 6th to March 9th, 2025
When does registration start?
Pre-registration for the Winter 2025 session will open for returning members on Monday December 9th at 8:00pm. Registration for new members will open on Monday December 16th at 8:00pm.
When do the sessions normally run?
- Fall - October until December
- Winter - January until March
- Spring - April until June
- Summer - Camps in July/ August
What time are the classes?
See our available 2024-2025 schedules here.
We are happy to offer Mini O programming at our U of A, Fountain Park, Terwillegar and Clareview locations!
My swimmer is new to the program, what do I need to do to register?
New swimmers will need to be assessed to determine their placement within the program. We regularly host free assessments for new potential members.
Please reach out to Megan Johnston at megan@olympianswimclub.com if you have any questions or you would like to book an assessment.
What does the Mini O's program look like?
Our Mini O's program accommodates children aged 5-11 years old who have had some basic swimming experience (public/city lessons), but have never been in competitive swimming. In Mini O's, our coaches teach the athletes the fundamentals of competitive swimming, building on their existing skills and teaching them new ones. Our goal is for our athletes to achieve all the required skills in the program and have them join our competitive team!
We have three levels in Mini O's: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These three levels increase in intensity, time spent in the pool, challenge, and skills learnt. What is great about our program is that it is based on ability, rather than age. This ensures that each child is at the appropriate level based on their skills and can be appropriately challenged. That being said, we often see younger children assessed as Bronze and Silver, whereas older children are typically assessed as Silver or Gold.
Each Mini O's session runs for 20 classes (about 10 weeks, two classes per week) in the fall, winter and spring.
How much does the program cost?
The fee schedule can be found here. The cost covers the entirety of the session. In addition to the session fee, there is an annual Swim AB registration fee and a once per season apparel fee.
When do current swimmers find out their new level?
In classes 16 through 19 swimmers will be skill tested to determine their placement for the upcoming session. Your coach will create a digital report card for them assigning them their level, and you will receive an email with this informaiton as well.
You will be sent your report card after the 20th class, which is your last lesson. If you have any questions about your report card, you will be able to ask your child's coach or reach out to Mini O's Program Supervisor Kathryn.
Do I need to do any volunteering or fundraising for the Mini O's program?
There are no volunteering or fundraising associated with the Mini O's program.
Are there any competitions at the Mini O's level?
No. Mini O’s is used as a pre-competitive program used to build skills and confidence in the swimmers prior to competitions.
What is the ratio of swimmers to coaches?
The group sizes are as follows:
- Bronze - four swimmers, one coach
- Silver - six swimmers, one coach
- Gold - eight swimmers, one coach
Is there a minimum age or skill level required to join?
We require your child to be 5 years old or turning 5 at the beginning of the session. Bronze swimmers must be able to swim 15m without the use of an aide (lifejacket, kickboard, etc.). The skills checklists can be found here.
How can we receive information about upcoming sessions/assessments/registrations?
We have an email list! Please email Megan Johnston at megan@olympianswimclub.com.