The biggest event of 2009 is coming soon...

This international event only happens once every two years, and in 2009 it's coming to Talisman Centre! Athletes from all over North and South America – the best junior divers in the western hemisphere – are coming to our dive tank to participate.

“These are the divers that we will be seeing in the World Championships and the Olympic Games in the not-so-distant future.”

– Diving Canada High Performance Director, Scott Cranham

The teams will arrive in Calgary and start training at Talisman Centre from September 7th until September 9th, and the competition itself will run from September 10th to 13th, from 8am to 6pm every day. Be sure to stop by and cheer for these divers who have traveled so far to compete in this prestigious event.

Akeem Haynes Wins Gold Medal for 100 metres!

Read the Calgary Herald's story...

Akeem Haynes, a sprinter who trains at Talisman Centre, won the gold medal in 100 metres at the Canada Summer Games last Monday (August 24th, 2009). A member of Calgary International Track Club, Akeem set a new Alberta youth record with his time of 10.47 seconds. That time is also the 6th fastest time the 100m has been run by a youth in 2009.

Akeem holds several other youth records, including the Canadian record for 200 metres. He's starting grade 12 this fall.

Akeem's coach is John Cannon, and the Canada Summer Games were held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Talisman Centre is proud of Akeem, and adds its congratulations to him, and the entire team representing Alberta!

Holiday Hours – Monday, September 7th (Labour Day)

Talisman Centre will be open on Labour Day (Sept. 7th), under "holiday hours", which are 7:00AM to 10:00PM. There will be no registered classes this day, although Pure Cardio, Ripped, Bootcamp and Group Power WILL be running.

Dive Tower Temporary Closure (Opens Mon. Aug. 31st)

The dive tower platform will be closed due to some rubber matting repairs from Friday, August 28th at 7pm – Monday August 31st at 11am. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Fall hours for Childcare

The fall hours of the Talisman centre Childcare will resume Mon/Wed evenings and Sundays beginning on Wed Sept 9 2009.
All other hours of operation will continue as always.
**NOTE
THE CHILDCARE AT THE TALISMAN CENTRE WILL REMAIN
OPEN 'AS USUAL' UNTIL
THE END OF FEBRUARY 2010

If you have any questions please feel free to call us directly @ 403-355-1273

Thanks
Sabine Thomsen

Squeezed: Making Lemonade for Access Advantage

The Calgary Herald held a lighthearted contest this month for Calgary entrepreneurs. Their challenge was to envision the best lemonade stand – a metaphor for how entrepreneurs can take the "lemons" of a bad economy and turn them into the "lemonade" of financial success. Jari Love, certfied personal trainer and creator of the immensely popular "Get RIPPED" fitness program (featured at Talisman Centre), was one of the entrepreneurs involved, and today the Herald announced that she had been selected by the judging panel as the winner! Head over to the Calgary Herald website to learn more.

Jari's participation also raised awareness of Talisman Centre's Access Advantage fund – a fund that was set up in 2008 in order to facilitate participation at Talisman Centre for all Calgarians, regardless of developmental, physical, or financial ability. Find out more about the incredible Access Advantage program here, and be sure to take a look at Jari's impressive business plan at the Herald's website.

Cascade Swimmers are having an amazing year!

Cascade Swim Club (one of Talisman Centre's Sport Partners) has achieved some impressive results this year. Here's some of what their talented swimmers have been up to so far in 2009:

• Set over 75 Provincial records  - and they are still competing!
• Have 7 or 8 swimmers on the Alberta Canada Games Team set to race at the end of August in Prince Edward Island.
• Won the National Age Group Men's and Overall Championship — last year they won the Men's Championship.
• At Senior Nationals, Cascade men won the 4 x 200 Freestyle relay; a first for the club!

Congratulations to all the Cascade Swimmers for these significant accomplishments! Keep up the great work.

Teach Pool Closed Thursday, August 13 to Friday, August 14th

The Teach Pool will be closed today (August 13th) and tomorrow (Friday, August 14th) for maintenance. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Baton twirling is catching!

Have you ever wanted to try twirling a baton? Come to a one-day clinic at Talisman Centre!

When:  Saturday, August 22, 2009
Where:  Talisman Centre
Time:  11:00AM to 3:00PM
Who:  Girls and Boys, ages 8-15
Cost:  $10 per person

Details:

• Participants will receive lessons in baton twirling, dance & gymnastics
• No prior experience is necessary
• Participants will be grouped according to age 
• Batons will be provided  
• Lunch is provided
• A performance by the instructors and other twirlers will conclude the day

Registration forms are available on the Alberta Baton Twirling Association website.

For more information on this clinic, email or call (780) 415-0144.

Group Groove Launch

Wednesday August 12^th from 5:30 – 6:30 will be out Group Groove New Music Launch dance PARTY! It will be a CIRCUS and we will have no MERCY having fun and JUST DANCE. Come and have some fun getting your sweat on and learning some new moves. Remember if you can MOVE you can GROOVE. Great new music and a new format.

What to wear? Your best dance party, dance JAM clothes you can. Some shoes that move well. Just have some fun with it. Leg and arm warmers are welcome on our dance floor.