Sitch swimmers capture team trophy during Labor Day meet at Soyuzivka
KERHONKSON, N.Y. - Undaunted by threatening storm clouds and passing showers, over 50 swimmers participated in the 47th annual USCAK swimming championships held on Labor Day weekend here at the Ukrainian National Association's Soyuzivka resort.
The swimmers seemed to be overwhelmed with enthusiasm, as they not only cheered for their own club members, but for the rival teams as well. This camaraderie added to the fun and excitement of the competition, which is organized yearly by the Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (known by its Ukrainian acronym as USCAK).
Chornomorska Sitch recaptured the championship title with 178 points, while SUM scored 156 points. Tryzub followed with 53, and Plast had 5 points. Three new records were broken (they are listed in the results).
As the saying goes, "it takes a village ... to run a swim meet," and it would not be possible without the help of numerous volunteers. The swim meet was organized and directed by Marika Bokalo, swimming coordinator for USCAK. Judges were: John Makar, Tom Dunigan and Ihor Wacyk. Scorers were: Maria Makar, Olenka Halkowycz, Myron Prymak and Peter Prociuk. Parents who served as timers were: Zenon Cybriwsky, Lesia Makuta, George Kobryn, Oksana Krywulych, Michael Szpyhulsky, Bohdan Nakonezny, Christina Tershakovec, Jeffrey Kibalo, Walter Mosuriak, Carly Fedoryczuk, Arina Yakobi and Maria Burachok-Wacyk.
After the races, medals, trophies and ribbons donated by the Ukrainian National Association were distributed to the winners. Ms. Bokalo thanked the UNA for its generosity and expressed gratitude to the Soyuzivka management for the use of their facilities and their gracious, welcoming attitude.
Christine Kozak, UNA national secretary, congratulated the swimmers and welcomed them to return next year.
Self Reliance (New Jersey) Federal Credit Union presented special souvenirs to all the swimmers. The swimmers and their parents parted with the words "See you next year."
The complete race results, for both individual and team events, follow. New meet records are marked with asterisks.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, September 28, 2003, No. 39, Vol. LXXI
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