COMMITTEE
The NCOWSA Committee is in place to represent members and to execute the objectives and work of the Alliance. The Committee engages Alliance members for their input and involvement via information and updates posted on this website, the Facebook group, or by email.
Tim Scapillato
Tim has enjoyed open water swimming in the lakes and rivers of the National Capital Region for over 15 years. During that time he has completed several long distance swims and has competed in numerous triathlons and open water swim competitions. He trains in the early morning hours at Meech Lake from early May to mid-October.
Brigitte Zirger
Fiona Grant
Fiona has been a competitive swimmer for 50 years as an age-grouper, triathlete, and masters swimmer, and as a coach with Technosport Masters Swim and Multisport Club. Competing in numerous races, such as the Chicago Big Shoulders 5km OWS, the Little Red Lighthouse 5.9 Mile OWS and 2 Ironman Triathlons, required extensive open water training which is a passion. Additionally, swimming is a family affair for Fiona.
Brigitte is the President of Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO), an organization that promotes and fosters life-long adult fitness through the sport of swimming. MSO member clubs offer training and sanctioned competition opportunities both in the pool and Open Water. MSO has an interest in maintaining access to safe, clean swimming venues for all swimmers, including our membership.
Brigitte has competed as a Masters swimmer for more than 20 years.
Jeff Beedell
Jeff started swimming as a skinny little kid with the Gloucester Swim Club in the ‘60s and now is swimming as a fully formed adult in his 60s. A multi-sport enthusiast who enjoys all four seasons, he is at his happiest x-c skiing, cycling, hiking and swimming in the Gats with family and friends. He understands - and wishes for others - the joy of swimming in our clean and open Gatineau Park waters.
Phil Rogers
Active in masters competitive swimming for many years, after starting as an age group swimmer. Phil is also a former President of Masters Swimming Ontario and current board member of MSO. He swims open water in the National Capital region, and also in Europe and Australia.
Tom McGee
Having moved from Toronto to in 1983, Tom has made the National Capital area home.
Tom has been engaged in water sports and activities all of his life, with experience with small water craft both motorized and non-motorized. Highlights include kayaking the Nahanni, Liard, and Nipigon Rivers, and canoeing the Swayze, Groundhog and Nat Rivers.
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Tom has an extensive history in lifeguarding and swim and guarding instruction with the Red Cross and Royal Lifesaving Society. Tom was also a member of a championship winning lifeguard team. As a competitive triathlete for over 30 years Tom has extensive triathlon age-group achievements, including winning a US national Championship.
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Tom has extensive competitive club swimming experience that continues today with masters swimming. Tom's history of open water swimming started roughly 50 years ago while visiting remote lakes and rivers from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Open water swimming has been the most rewarding activity of all swimming activities.
Rick Hellard
Rick Hellard is the Owner of ROC Swimming and Zone3sports Multisport Coaching (triathlon and running). He is an experienced event director, including summer and winter triathlons, running, cycling, snowshoeing, and adventure races. He has lived in the triathlon world for more than 35 years, spending much of that as a professional triathlete. He has pretty much done it all and brings his varied experience and perspective to NCOWSA.
