Feel Our Energy Contest Winners

CONGRATULATIONS to our "Feel Our Energy" Video Contest Winners! 1st Place: Suzie Price – Apple iPad Mini and an Annual Membership with prize pack 2nd Place: Lisa Huston – Annual membership with prize pack 3rd Place: Kenda London – 30 Day Pass with prize pack

The Mayor's Youth Council

We are proud to have received the honour of being a "Youth-Endorsed City Space" by The Mayor's Youth Council today.

The Mayor's Youth Council, a program of Youth Central, spent time at Talisman Centre in 2013 to evaluate the Centre’s “youth-friendliness” as part of the Youth-Endorsed City Space initiative. The initiative is a long-running project of the Mayor’s Youth Council that seeks to evaluate and endorse various facilities around Calgary on the ways they cater to youth (ages 13 through 18).

Talisman Centre was evaluated based on factors such as:
· Accessibility
· Safety
· Youth Friendliness
· Social Media Use

For more information on the Mayor’s Youth Council, visit youthcentral.com/mayors-youth-council/

PHOTO: Jeff Booke, CEO, Talisman Centre; Sarah MacKenzie, Nareesa Karmali, and Nad Kilani of The Mayor's Youth Council

Happy Holidays!

We have a little Elf helping us spread some holiday cheer - from now until December 24th keep a look out for gifts in our Member Lounge. If you find one - take it, it's yours! Happy Holidays!

The John Currie Amateur Sport Legacy Fund

Call for nominations NOW OPEN for The John Currie Amateur Sport Legacy Fund. Click here for full details:

http://bit.ly/1hf1ZZ4

EVENT ALERT: December 13 -15, 2013

December 13 - 15, 2013
PARKING WILL BE EXTREMELY LIMITED!

Age Group Challenge (Swim Meet) 
Times: 7:30am – 2:00pm & 4:30pm – 8:00pm (Event done Sunday at 4:15pm)
Number of Participants: 650 + officials + coaches
Location: Pools [ READ MORE ]

EVENT ALERT: December 12, 2013

December 12, 2013
PARKING WILL BE LIMITED!

High School Swim & Dive Meet
Times: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Number of Participants: 500 + officials + coaches
Location: Pools

NOTE: Competition Pool, Steam Room, Dive Tank and Teach Pool will be CLOSED to public during this event. Public Swim lanes will be available in the Training Pool.

EVENT ALERT: High School Swim & Dive Meet Cancelled

EVENT ALERT: The High School Swim and Dive meet today has been cancelled due to weather and road conditions.

The 12 Days of Fitness Pass is back!

[ On sale until December 24th ]

The washrooms are gutted!

NEW Washrooms!

Get ready for NEW WASHROOMS!

We all know they need it, and now they’re finally getting it. 

Starting November 13th our Public Washrooms will be getting a complete facelift including NEW floors, NEW counters, NEW sinks, NEW look! Plus - entirely HANDS FREE! 

During this time please use Washrooms in The Foundation Lounge or Activity Level.

Winter Registration

Winter Program Registration opens November 18th for Members and November 19th for Non-Members.

Download price list here: http://bit.ly/18pqZXo

Remember

Change the Face of Sport Sponsorship – FREE Presentation

Are you an ATHLETE looking for sponsorship? Or a COMPANY looking to sponsor athletes?

Join us for our free info presentation and networking meet and greet.
Only 40 spots available so RSVP today!

CLICK TO VIEW LARGER

"Feel Our Energy" Video Contest - ENTER NOW!

We invite you on a journey under our iconic tent in our exciting new "Feel Our Energy" video.

You can't find a place like this anywhere else. The energy you feel from walking through the door is what keeps you coming back and it's the people that create that energy. You will be inspired by the committed athletes training for the next big competition, the everyday Calgarians striving to reach their fitness goals AND by our experts devoted to helping their clients whether they are here to TRAIN, COMPETE or PLAY.

Contest runs November 1 – 30, 2013

Click here for full contest details and entry form!

Basement flood repairs continue...

From what our Members and Customers see it looks as though most of our flood repair efforts are complete. But what you don't see is that there is still a LOT of working going on beneath us to bring this great facility completely back to normal - and even better.

Here's a peak of the one of many things happening on the basement mechanical side of things. This big beast is a "small" part of our complete Air Handling System being replaced due to flood damage. This is 1 of 6 parts per unit with a total of 12 units!

Stay tuned for more pics and updates on the progress in the basement and thanks to all of our teams who work day in and day out to replace and upgrade all that was destroyed in the June flood.

Back in Action promo extended to October 31st!

Our BACK IN ACTION promotion has been extended to October 31st! You now have another week+ to get your FREE Gift with the purchase of a new Annual Membership OR a $99 Ten Card (adult).

http://www.talismancentre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=261

Calgary Aquabelles' make Synchro Canada's Senior National Team

Congratulations to Gabriella Brisson, Claudia Holzner and Kaylene Scheil from Calgary Aquabelles for becoming members of Synchro Canada's Senior National Team!

http://www.synchro.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=566&Itemid=64

FREE CS4L Lecture – October 29th

Try out Pentathlon!

Ares Modern Pentathlon Club is hosting a free open house this Friday from 6-7:30pm.

Participants as young as 7 can try their hand at fencing and shooting, plus get to meet National and Olympic athletes!

Talisman Centre is making it's comeback!

CTV New chats with us about re-opening the competition pool!

http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/talisman-centre-expects-to-open-in-mid-october-1.1487083

Congrats Grant & Simon!

CONGRATULATIONS Grant & Simon! You make us proud to call you our Triathlon Club coaches!

Are you a Power Groupie?

Are YOU a Power Groupie? Tell us why you LOVE Group Power and join us for the new release on October 25th.

DOYYC Free Historical Tours

http://www.talismancentre.com/index.php?option=com_events&view=eventsitem&Itemid=222&eventid=33

Seniors' Day

October 1st is Seniors Day and we're celebrating! Any Senior over the age of 65 can get in for FREE!

Back in Action Week 1 WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS to Irvin Pili who WON our Back in Action Week 1 Annual Membership prize!

Erlton Flood Party

Competition Pool Update

As we move closer to the end of September, we know many of you are getting eager to see and hear when our Competition pool will re-open.

While we are still targeting and cautiously optimistic that the Competition Pool, Dive Tank, Teach Pool, 6-person Hot Tub and Steam Room may be open near the end of September, there are numerous factors with regards to contractors and equipment involved that make it very tough to confirm that date 100%.

So, work is proceeding as fast as it can and with certainty these areas will open by the latest on October 15th.

We will continue to post updates as we can and will keep our fingers crossed for an earlier opening date!

One Elevator Up and Running

ELEVATOR UPDATE:

Our elevator in the North Annex (Fitness Centre) is now working!

We are still working on the main elevator by Customer Service.

Additional ETS Individual Training Sessions

To help you get you back into your aquatic training regimen Elmar Heger, Talisman Centre Masters and Tri Club coach, will be offering additional ETS Individual Training Sessions for September 2013.

Read Elmar's bio here:
http://www.talismancentre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=131&Itemid=311

To register please contact Jon Bird 403.355.1259

Monsoon June in the Stampede City

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By Jordan Wevers 

Jordan Wevers works as a Fitness Consultant at Talisman Centre. With a passion for writing and journalism, here’s the second of an article series for members, Sport Partners, customers, and employees to enjoy. Stay tuned for more from Jordan.

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When snow falls intermittently, people are indifferent. When it falls in excessive succession, the skier rejoices. When rain falls intermittently, people are indifferent. When it falls in abundance, the farmer rejoices. But from this day forth, Calgarians will hold their breath.

 It is insensitive to say only Calgary faced consequences and devastation. Many communities throughout Alberta were hit hard by the June Flood of 2013. The province as a whole, reeling from $5 billion dollars in losses and counting, had never before witnessed a natural disaster on such a scale.

Precipitation is a fickle and peculiar thing – it has the power to paradoxically giveth and taketh away. Often in times of extraordinary happenings, images and recollections people store in their mind remain much more vivid and have a lasting affect more than your typical day at the office. That is why memoirs about the Holocaust or communism falling in the USSR become grand examples in literature that allows readers to gain a perspective or a different attitude they may never have experienced otherwise. A natural disaster typically fails in comparison to the events above, at least from a historical context. And there have been far more devastating natural disasters (Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 and Hurricane Katrina of 2005 to name a few) in my lifetime that would make the Flood of 2013 appear to be the lesser of many evils. Writing from experience is rarely a suggestive approach to take so long as the author reflects on real facts, emotions and memories that took place in an influential way. In part, that is the approach I have chosen to share.

 I recall before going to bed the evening of Thursday, June 20th, hearing mutterings on the local news and engaging in small talk with people about the 2008 flood in Calgary. I was not a resident at that time, but most people seemed to be relatively unaffected, and the necessary precautions taken at the time did minimize and keep a large portion of the damage at bay. All was well in the late evening hours of that particular Thursday. But the early morning hours of Friday, June 21st were a stark contrast. I awoke to a panic and knocking at the bedroom door at 6 am to see from the balcony that Macleod Trail South was transformed into a river. A few moments later, the power went out in the entire high rise building. My companion and I packed a few things in a bag, and then walked 14 flights of stairs in darkness down to the condominium lobby. I threw her on my back, and waded through thigh high water for a block heading west. There was debris everywhere in the streets, sirens sounding and people camped out on the roofs of their cars. Others were hesitant to leave their havens in apartments above all the distress and peril in plain sight below.

After about two blocks, the water subsided and there were only puddles in some places. We stopped by my building, and there was furniture propping the lobby doors open. It felt quite eerie, almost apocalyptic. The power was out there as well, but this time it was up 19 flights in darkness to grab a bag of clothes and some rations for myself – and then back down in the darkness. We were grateful to spend Friday night at my roommate’s parents’ house. After that, a friend took us in for the next nine days. Her place was on the fourteenth floor of a building just off 14th Street. Her balcony faced east. I recall the evenings gazing out into the summer night, the downtown skyline of one of Canada’s economic hubs now black, silent and still. In all, I was displaced for about two weeks. Five of those days were spent living in my apartment with no hot water or elevator. It is incredible how much an able bodied individual takes an elevator for granted. Carrying even a few bags of groceries up 19 flights of stairs in the darkness is not a simple task. Currently, my building still only has 1 of 2 elevators operational, and full access to the parkade has not yet been granted. Minor inconveniences, really. Through all of this, I consider myself to be one of the more fortunate flood victims.

Carrie Schuett has been employed at Talisman Centre for the better part of 10 years. She is one of many people in the Mission neighbourhood not so fortunate on that fateful day the rivers swelled. She lived in a ground level condo, where the water reached only inches below her ceiling. Able to get some sentimental and important items removed before the mandatory evacuation, she now lives in Okotoks with her parents. The earliest potential date she can move home is December, and that’s being optimistic. She used to walk to work every day, and as a result does not own a car. Fulfilling her duties at work is now a challenge, because her commute, once a 500 metre walk, is now a conflicted rush hour drive from beyond the city limits, some 40 kilometres away. Through it all, Carrie has remained her usual positive and cheerful self at work. Of course the lack of contractors, building materials and dealing with insurance companies is annoying. But these are the smaller things. Carrie chooses to focus on the bigger picture, which are the innumerable selfless acts that took place once the waters of the Elbow receded.

“I have been in awe of the generosity of my family, friends, co-workers and strangers. The flood happened on a Thursday and I could not return to my building until Monday. By the time I arrived on Monday afternoon, hundreds of volunteers had already visited my neighborhood. They had gone into my condo and removed absolutely everything and placed it on the sidewalk for the dump. They did all the dirty work. The next day the fire department came and removed all the appliances. And the following 3 days more volunteers arrived to demolish our units, tearing out the walls, flooring, etc. I was so thankful because at the time I am not sure I would have physically and emotionally been able to handle that kind of work.”

Despite temporarily losing a home, multiple possessions and peace of mind, the flood inspired and motivated Carrie to pursue a project she has had on the backburner for a while. It is called The Seva Movement. Seva being the Sanskrit word for selfless service, the movement aims to organize people for the purpose of paying it forward and contributing in an altruistic way within your community. Carrie is a shining example of perseverance, compassion and humanity. She shows us all that even through the bleakest of days, when the wreckage clears, life can become familiar again.

From an organizational standpoint, Talisman Centre has endured a lot, though it may not appear so. Many of its members seem to think the flood reached parts of the weight room and Dryland areas, resulting in an accumulation of rust. This is not the case. The rust was there because the days that followed the flood were hot and humid, and there was no working ventilation system in the building due to power outages. As every Talisman Centre user is aware, a large majority of the centre is sheltered by, for lack of a better word, a tent. Anyone that camps knows what it is like on a hot summer’s day when the sun beats down upon your tent. It becomes a sweat-filled, stagnant and intolerable ball of heat. The same can be said for the conditions within Talisman Centre during the cleanup and recovery efforts.

There was no over land flooding at Talisman Centre. Muddy water and sludge in the basement reached 4 feet high in some places due to the drainage system failing because of overwhelming amounts of runoff. This region is where the “lifeblood” of the centre can be found, CEO Jeff Booke commented. Consequentially, nearly all seventy plus Aquatic staff were laid off, and there has been a prolonged timeline to re-open all pools. Jeff goes on to offer more, saying “as we continue to uncover things, estimated damages are in the $6 to $10 million dollar range. The current focus is a two-pronged approach. One, we want to expand partial occupancy. And two, we are strategizing how to deal with massive repair and replacements without further interrupting membership processes and enjoyment of the facility.”

Both Jeff and Doug Robson, Talisman Centre’s Facility Operation Manager, put in 14 hour days beginning the weekend after the flood in order to keep generators fueled so water could be pumped out of the basement. Doug insists the biggest challenge for him was “trying to keep some-what of a blend or balance between my personal life and the recovery effort at Talisman Centre.” Both gentlemen know at times everything seemed surreal and the damage was overwhelming, almost hopeless.

On a positive note the flood sped up the process for future planned replacement of various mechanical equipment sooner than scheduled. Some of the equipment was original with the thirty year old structure. The new changes will ensure better air quality, water flow, water clarity, water chemistry and will extend the lifespan of the overall facility considerably.

With everyone’s patience and continued support and enthusiasm for this great facility, there is no reason to think Talisman Centre cannot return to the world class standard it set before the flooding. “The city and insurance companies have been very supportive,” says Booke. “Now that we have full facility access, there are anywhere between 40 and 50 contractors and workers assigned daily to the project of restoring Talisman Centre to its original if not improved state, so the public can once again come here to train, compete and play.”

Experts state it was a once in a century flood. If they are wrong, Robson assures members that necessary measures are being taken to greatly decrease the impact of another flood. “We are looking into ways to remove water at a faster rate from the basement through mechanical and automation means. Where possible, we are raising equipment or parts that would be suspended above any future flood line.”

Rome did not fall in a day. Parts of Calgary and its landmark facility did. That is the power that Mother Nature possesses. In most any historical instance, humans have proven themselves to be relentless, resilient and resourceful when it comes to picking up the pieces and moving on. It may take weeks or months, but Calgary will return to the status of a being the beloved Western Canadian metropolis it has always been – one that straddles the feet of the majestic Rockies, drives the national petroleum industry and hosts the greatest outdoor show on earth. And though the rains seemed to not cease for much of June, according to Statistics Canada, Calgary as a city sees the fourth highest amount of annual sunshine (2405 hours) in the country, behind only Swift Current, Estevan and Medicine Hat. Sunshine gives people reason to smile, and if you live in Calgary and frequent Talisman Centre, you have all the more reason to smile.

Meet Olympic Bronze Medalist Richard Weingberger!

Meet Olympic Bronze Medalist Richard Weingberger!

Q & A Session, FREE admission – Friday, Sept 13th at 5:00pm at Talisman Centre.

http://bit.ly/15Rx0Rs

FREE Open House – September 28th

Looking for something to do on September 28th? Join us for our FREE Open House - all day!

Fall Price List

Fall Registered Program Price List is out!

http://www.talismancentre.com/images/PDFs/TC2013_pricelist_fall2013_WEB.pdf

Register tomorrow for members, Thurs for non-members.

Fall Aquatic Programs

Fall Aquatic Program registration will open on Sept 11 for members and Sept 12 for non-members. Due to one pool availability, we will be offering Private Swim Lessons and Masters and Junior Masters programs only.

Price list and lesson schedule will be posted early next week.

CBC News - September 5, 2013

CEO Jeff Booke's interview with CBC Calgary on #yycflood repairs:

 http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Calgary/ID/2404434081/

Child Care Fall Hours

The Child Care Centre will resume Fall Hours on September 9th.
Click here for full hours of operation: http://bit.ly/VN8UPt

Tour of Alberta - Finish Line Festival

Come see us at the Tour of Alberta Finish Line Festival this Sunday! We'll be there with a special challenge and prizes.

Back in Action!

http://www.talismancentre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=261

Hot Tub Opening Delay

There will be a delay in the opening of our 20-person hot tub. Please check back for an opening date next week. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Training Pool opens tomorrow!

GOOD NEWS – Our TRAINING POOL OPENS tomorrow, August 30th!

Please note our temporary Pool Hours
Friday, August 30th: 5:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, August 31st: 6:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, September 1st: 7:00am - 6:00pm
Monday, September 2nd: 7:00am - 6:00pm

Back to regular facility hours on September 3rd
Come swim with us!!

Jugo Juice is OPEN!

Jugo Juice is now open again at Talisman Centre! Come get your pre- or post-workout smoothie today! #YYCisOPEN

Kids + Summer Nutrition

Keeping kids eating healthy during the summer, Calgary Herald interview with our very own nutritionist, Kelly Drager:

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=25b2f8da-c415-4c7f-b858-d7736e133194

August 30th 1983 Pricing and Bring a Friend

To make up for missing out on our June 30th 1983 Pricing and Bring a Friend Day, we're bringing back this 30th Anniversary promotion on August 30th!

Dive Tower Upgrades

We're taking advantage of the dive tank flood closure and working on the tower upgrades! Our main dive towers are getting a facelift and we're adding an additional 3m tower to the west side of the tank.

Check back today or tomorrow for an official pool update!

Welcome back Good Earth!

Welcome back to Good Earth! Coffees are being served again at Talisman Centre.

Cardiac Wellness is back!

We are happy to welcome back Cardiac Wellness! They are back up and running at Talisman Centre today!

Chinook Rhythmique Gymnastics Registration

Chinook Rhythmique Gymnastic Club offers recreational, inter-club and competitive programs.

Registration is September 4th 5-8pm at Talisman Centre!

For more info on the Club: http://www.chinookrg.com/

"Let's Move" Group Fitness Challenge WINNERS

Thanks to everyone who participated in our 30th Anniversary “Let’s Move” Group Fitness Challenge!

We had a great response and would like to congratulate the following winners:

Winner of the Grand Prize Annual Membership Prize Pack:
Lee Tan (seen in photo)

Winners of a 30th Anniversary Prize Pack: 
Aileen Glasgow
Sandra Rexilius
Nicole Shute

Child Care opens August 6th

Hot water being back gives us more than warm showers, CHILD CARE re-opens Tues, August 6 with regular summer hours!

http://bit.ly/VN8UPt

Hot water is back!

The boilers are fixed and the water is HOT! No more cold showers at Talisman Centre!

Sport-Specific Camps are on!

Rhythmic Gymnastics and Badminton Summer Camps are a go this August.

Spots are still available so register online or call us at 403.233.8393 today!

Please note there is no pre- or post-care offered for these camps.

Multi-Sport August Camps

Although we were optimistic we would be able to go ahead with camps in August, we unfortunately have to cancel all Multi-Sport Summer Camps for the rest of the summer.

We will be contacting parents individually to issue refunds.

Barcelona 2013 - Men's Team wins over South Africa

CONGRATULATIONS Water Polo Canada Men's Team for their 17-11 win over South Africa in the Barcelona 2013 Fina World Championships!

http://bit.ly/1dQ1AbQ

Thank you YMCA and JCC

We want to extend a sincere THANK YOU to YMCA Calgary and Calgary Jewish Community Centre for allowing our members to use your facilities during our flood closure.

Now that we have our Dryland areas open, we welcome back our members. As such, Talisman Centre memberships are no longer accepted at the above facilities.

Dryland Opens July 16, 2013!

DRYLAND WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW! Please check our website for full details and memberships options.

Press Release: Talisman Centre Flood Recovery & Phased In Re-Opening Update

Please click the link below to read our July 9th press release:

Talisman Centre Flood Recovery & Phased In Re-Opening Update
http://www.talismancentre.com/images/PDFs/TC2013_press_release_July9.pdf

CBC Radio News - June 9, 2013

CBC Radio interview with CEO Jeff Booke on Talisman Centre flood damages:

http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Alberta/ID/2396110780/

Summer Camps July 15-19

All Summer Camps for the week of July 15th - 19th have been cancelled. 

Refunds will be issued to all participants when we are operational. 

We are trying our best to accommodate camps the following week and will know more by the end of this week. We apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment that this has caused parents and children who wanted to make Talisman Centre a part of their summer sport plans. Stay tuned...

Opening Update

While there remains a tremendous amount of work to do, we remain optimistic that the dryland side of the facility, including gymnasiums, track, weight room and our popular Group Fitness classes, will be open to the public later next week.

Timing for when the pools will re-open remains unknown. 

Stay tuned for a formal press release coming in the next few days.

Flood Update

Talisman Centre's re-opening has been delayed as we continue to uncover the scope of damage and ever increasing restoration work. 

We are working with The City of Calgary and a specialized team of engineers. More detailed information will be distributed on Monday, July 8th. 

We will continue to honor our commitments to members and stakeholders, so please check back to our website and social media next week.

Summer Camps Cancelled July 8-12

All Summer Camps running July 8th to July 12th are cancelled due to flood damage repairs. Refunds will be issued to all participants when we are operational. 

We will continue to update on Summer Camps the following weeks as we can.

Annual Member Update

Note to all Annual Members:

Annual Members' monthly auto-payments will be processed on July 2 as we are anticipating an opening date of July 8. Based on this opening date, Talisman Centre will extend all Annual Memberships by 2 weeks to compensate for our flood closure.

Please remember that YMCA and the Jewish Community Centre will accepts our members with a valid membership card and ID.

Summer Camps July 1st - 5th

Due to the floods, ALL Summer Camps and Summer Programs running JULY 1 to 5 will be CANCELLED.

Refunds will be issued once we are fully operational. If you have any questions, please note that our email and phone systems are still down. You can contact us via our Facebook or Twitter accounts.

Canada vs Serbia

JUNE 21st, 23rd, 25th : 8:00pm - 9:30pm 

Come cheer on Team Canada as they play against Team Serbia! $5 admission. The Men's National Waterpolo Team of Serbia will be training alongside Team Canada at Talisman Centre for the next week. Spectators welcome to official games.

Please note: On game nights, there will be NO PUBLIC ACCESS to the Competition pool and deck area from 7:00pm until end of game.

FREE Canada Sport for Life Presentation

Join us for our FREE presentation  and increase your understanding of sport in Canada.

Date: Monday June 24th
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Talisman Centre, Foundation Lounge 

For athletes and parents, the information presented will help sport participants identify their place in the 'system', the structural and personal route to their ultimate goals, and important steps along the way.


With Guest Speaker Lea Norris
For more than 20 years Lea has motivated and inspired youth, adults, communities, pools, schools and work- places  throughout Alberta to incorporate more physical activity into their lives. In 2009 she established Sport for Life Cochrane to educate and enlighten communities, minor sports organizations, coaches and parents about the Canadian Sport for Life/LTAD movement. She continues to be involved in local, provincial and national CS4L initiatives, doing her part to help all Canadians become Active for Life!  

Thanks Calgary!

And we did it again!

Thanks Calgary for voting us 'Best Place to Work Out' for the 15th time! with Fast Forward Weekly (FFWD)

http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/life-style/best-calgary/best-of-calgary-winners-10856/

FREE OPEN HOUSE Wild Water Polo Club

FREE OPEN HOUSE Wild Water Polo Club - Talisman Centre, May 25th May, 3:45pm

If you have a child born between 2002 and 2007 who can swim at least one pool length without assistance, this is the opportunity to learn more about Water Polo try it out for FREE!

With a casual, stress-free environment, participants will be taught by a team of well trained and certified coaches that also include Canadian national team coaches.

Please bring your child, with a swimsuit and towel, to the front desk at Talisman Centre where one of our Wild members will greet you and show your child where to go.

Play Hard, Play Wild! https://www.facebook.com/events/200278020122997/

Customer Survey Feedback

Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2012 Customer Survey. We kept the questions the same as in 2011 to better compare what you are truly digging about us and areas where we need to dig a little deeper.

We don’t take this lightly and appreciate your valuable comments, concerns and kudos. While we definitely continued to service more customers in 2012, that also attributed to a substantial increase in the number of respondents completing the survey by 76% compared to 2011. With this increase we are still pleased to report our Overall Satisfaction remained at 83% and you are 84% Likely to Recommend us! Let’s take a look further at some of the highlights and areas that will continue to be a focus.

http://www.talismancentre.com/images/PDFs/2012_CustomerSurvey_Feedback.pdf

Memories to Last Three Decades - By Jordan Wevers

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Jordan Weavers works as a Fitness Consultant at Talisman Centre. With a passion for writing and journalism, here’s the first of an article series for members, Sport Partners, customers, and employees to enjoy. Stay tuned for more from Jordan.

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DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION


This is not so much a piece about a place, as it is about a place in time. 1983 means a lot of things to a lot of people. Personally, it carries no meaning for me. I did not yet exist. But for some, it may involve a wedding, their first child, or a promotion towards a fulfilling and generously compensated career. There are many things that 1983 could represent on an individual level, just as there are many things 2013 could represent.

1983 as a macrocosm was an unstable time in world diplomacy, with the Cold War in full swing. It was the new discovery of a virus by Robert Gallo and Luc Montagnier that would spawn a global pandemic for future generations and societies to struggle with. 1983 was the birth of the Chicken McNugget, the death of Paul “Bear” Bryant and Jack Dempsey, and a step towards ending apartheid in South Africa with the doctoring of a new constitution. The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their first studio album, and Sony invented the camcorder, selling it to general consumers eager to capture memories in motion as they happen. This corresponded nicely with the beginnings of production on the mini-van, introduced by Chrysler to North American families everywhere the following year. Also in that year, the Iron Lady was re-elected Prime Minister by a majority landslide in Great Britain, and the Chicago Cubs still had not won the World Series.

As a microcosm of the community, 1983 was a somewhat memorable time for sport and fitness. The University of Calgary Dinos football team captured their first Vanier Cup, and the scorned rivals of the Flames – the Edmonton Oilers – were swept in the Stanley Cup finals four games to zero by the New York Islanders. Only two years previous to this, Calgary was named the host city for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, beating out Falun, Sweden and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy in the bidding process.

From a more civic perspective, Calgarians elected the Honorable Ralph Phillip Klein as Mayor of the city in 1983. Construction of Western Canadian Place, the headquarters of Husky Canada was completed, at the time making it the city’s third tallest structure, after the Calgary Tower and First Canadian Centre. Another astonishing structure erected in that year was the Olympic Saddledome, currently home to NHL, WHL and NLL franchises. The population of the city was approximately 620,000, and in the summer of ’83 the average price tag on a Calgary home was $100,000.

Ground was broken in the months leading up to 1983 on Talisman Centre (originally Lindsay Park Sports Centre), with a scheduled completion date for summer of that year. It was to be an exciting new addition to the core of the city, especially for the communities of Mission and Erlton.

The original building was over 130,000 square feet of space, nestling nicely into a grassy-green park encompassed by the Elbow River on the West and North ends. The facility opened on July 30th to accommodate the Western Canada Summer Games. The ’83 games were also the inaugural year for competition between Yukon and the Northwest Territories. In autumn, the centre opened to the general public. Back then, the drop-in fee for an adult was $4.50, compared to the current price of $13.

As a young child, I vividly remember road trips up to Calgary with my family. We would travel into downtown via Macleod Trail, and I recall the intrigue of driving by, what I thought at the time, to be the world’s largest tent. The roof design of Talisman Centre is undoubtedly an iconic architectural feature unique to the city of Calgary. In recognition of this, Talisman Centre was one of the first facilities given an award by the International Working Group for the Construction of Sport and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) in the category of an exemplary and functionally well designed sports facility in 1987. This achievement coincided with the premiere of the very first episodes of The Simpsons, appearing in shorts on the Tracy Ullman Show. Globally, Ronald Reagan traveled to Berlin, and for the first time challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. United Nations experts estimated the planet’s population had then surpassed 5 billion inhabitants. By international standards in the year 1992, Talisman Centre’s resume continued to grow. It had hosted a World Dive Meet, an international basketball tournament, and functioned as an important operations hub for media and organizers during the 1988 Olympic Games. Additionally, the facility was the home training grounds for 21 of 26 Canadian athletes set to participate in the Seoul, Korea Olympic Games. All the while still a pillar of fitness in the community, pivotal demises occurred throughout the world.

Only a few years earlier, Reagan got his wish, and the Berlin Wall fell, thus ending communism in a world super power the likes of Russia. On February 2 of 1990, Nelson Mandela’s incarceration came to an end, and hope was restored amongst the unjustified oppression of South Africans everywhere. A major step forward in communication and globalization took place in 1993, with the World Wide Web going public. In the sporting world, the pinnacle of achievement in America’s pastime is accomplished for a second consecutive year by a Canadian team, as members of the Toronto Blue Jays hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy after winning the 1993 World Series. Similarly to the much still maligned Chicago Cubs, the Maple Leafs are yet to hoist a Stanley Cup since ’67. However, in 1989, less than a decade after relocating to Calgary, the Flames were crowned champions of the NHL.

Years after this feat in 2002, Lindsay Park Sports Society accepts a $10 million sponsorship by Talisman Energy. The contribution gives the global oil and gas company naming rights over the facility until 2022. Also in 2002, the Centre hosted another event comprised of international participants, the Worlds Underwater Hockey Tournament.

In 2004, Talisman Centre celebrated the opening of a $24 million expansion project. The new dryland centre was named the Dr. Neville Lindsay Sport Wellness Centre to honour Calgary’s first physician and prominent businessman, who had owned the land it stands on. The addition currently houses a second fitness centre, two gymnasiums, a second indoor track, the Triathlon Club, multiple offices, and a LifeMark physiotherapy and massage clinic.

In the same year, the newly constructed aquatic centre, featuring a 50m pool and therapeutic whirlpool, is officially named The Calgary Foundation Aquaplex, recognizing the foundation by contributions made through an anonymous donor. I personally recall conversations in the past with a man named Doug Hawkes. A WWII and POW fighter pilot survivor, he was an active member of the community and one of the pioneers who helped establish The Calgary Foundation in 1955. It was in 1996 that Mr. Hawkes was awarded a lifetime membership to Talisman Centre for his philanthropic deeds. Well into his nineties, Doug still regularly attended deep water fitness classes and was a pleasure to have around. His melancholic passing occurred exactly 22 years to the day of Mandela’s release from prison.

Following the two expansions to Talisman Centre, the facility became the largest indoor athletic complex of its kind in Canada, second only to Chelsea Piers in Manhattan as the largest and most diverse in all of North America.

In 2010, more plans were underway to revitalize the facility. The main building was shut down for renovations. Dubbed the “Facility Enhancement and Roof Replacement Project,” all three gymnasiums had new hardwood floors installed. The pool received new tiling, and the tented portion of the roof was replaced with newer, more technologically advanced material. Amidst the renovations, membership dipped to below 2,000 people at Talisman Centre. Once the main tent was given the green light to re-open in January of 2011, Mayor Naheed Nenshi was on hand to cut the ribbon and make things official at a ceremony. Because of strategic marketing and a loyal customer base appreciative of its history, membership more than tripled in less than two years, with the facility now boasting over 6,000 current members. Annually, the facility sees over 1.4 million visitors pass through its doors. It is renowned for the number of services it offers to a thriving city full of adventurists due to Calgary’s close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The facility is also acclaimed for its dual mandate of being equally accessible to recreational individuals and high performance athletes, and in 2003 received The Calgary Award for Accessibility for providing a facility and training equipment for people with disabilities.

The yearly Stampede Breakfast put on by Talisman Centre, in partnership with its tenants and naming sponsor, is one of the more notable ones in the city, as it is free, delicious and health conscious. The facility continues to host multiple events throughout the year. Everything from volleyball to synchronized swimming to water polo can be found under the tent, drawing participants and spectators from all over the province, country and world. Amongst these and many other things, Talisman Centre contributes heavily towards many charitable organizations and events within the community.

Through the years, individuals change, the community changes, and the world changes. So too has Talisman Centre, yet all the while remaining a staple of Calgary and a standard by which the world measures a fitness facility. People have no doubt moved on in their lives, maybe to different parts of the world and different gyms. Some will take with them memories of this place that coincide with memories of the world at that juncture in time. Perhaps they met their significant other here on a gray and rainy day when the only expectation was to burn a few calories. Perhaps a parent watched as their child grew from an adolescent into a future Olympian, all the while devoting time to their craft at this place. Or maybe, like many people, they found the inspiration and motivation they had been seeking for so long to lose that excess weight and capture their confidence once again, vindication for time lost wallowing in self-pity and bitterness.

For three decades now, this facility has presented people with the opportunity to grow as an individual. And as an individual grows, a community grows. As a community grows, a province flourishes and becomes an exemplary model for economic sustainability. The world has changed much in the last thirty years. Some people will remember this place for what it is – a gym – nothing more, nothing less. Others will remember this alongside a sacred event in time, personally affected and shaped as an individual by it. Bill Gates once said, “If you give people tools, [and they use] their natural ability and curiosity, they will develop things in ways that will surprise you very much beyond what you might have expected.”

Talisman Centre can be a tool, used in the capacity of an individual to experience positive change and growth as they train, compete or play. The past thirty years can never be reclaimed, only remembered. The next thirty years are yours to use as you will. Through it all, perhaps Talisman Centre can be part of your future memories. Within these walls is this place, accompanied by your moment in time.

2013 Amateur Athlete Bursary Awards

Congratulations to our Amateur Athlete Bursary Award recipients! 

LEFT TO RIGHT: Don Buchignani, Terry Baustad, Jeff Booke, Kali Sayers, Morgan Bird, Anthony Lyons, Taryn Pratt, John Currie, Kindred Paul, Kyra Christmas,John Conway, Iveta Milciute, Constantine Kudaba, Giles Parker, Darryl Bourne.  Absent – Chris Hampshire, Caeli McKay, Anette Mikkelsen , Halle Pratt, Kali Wong.

30km Aquatic Swim Challenge Winners

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 30km Aquatic Challenge in April as part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 3 WINNERS:
 1. Stephen Bennett
 2. Kyle Murphy
 3. Sue Hill

 Up next is our Group Fitness Challenge to start later in May. Stay tuned for more details!

2013 River & Pathway Clean-Up

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Pathway & River Clean-Up yesterday. Here's a link to some great photos from the day!

Photos by: Allan Baxter http://flic.kr/s/aHsjEZR1aL

Congratulations to Jenn Tregale - Calgary Aquabelles who has been named this year’s winner of the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation Coaching Recognition Award.

The award recognizes Alberta coaches for their contribution and outstanding performance in working with amateur athletes in the province.

Inspiring High Performance Week April 22 - 26

Inspiring High Performance Week April 22 - 26 

Join us for any one of the FREE Expert Guest Speaker Series during "Inspiring High Performance Week" - April 22 - 26.

 

Click to see full schedule and more details on the series:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7swfoev9YeOWW9ZQWt4TlYybkU/edit?usp=sharing

30th Anniversary Promo Friday!

Congratulations Aquabelles!

Congratulations to the Calgary Aquabelles for their achievements so far at the National Qualifiers here at Talisman Centre!

Calgary Aquabelles win three of four events at Canadian Qualifier Championships

CALGARY, March 20, 2013 – Erica Slavin placed first in junior figures then helped her Calgary Aquabelles club to the gold medal in the open combo event on Wednesday in first day action at the Canadian Qualifier Championships in synchronized swimming.

The competition has attracted a record 455 synchronized swimmers from 38 clubs. Each province is represented. The junior and senior age groups are looking to qualify for the Canadian Open Championships, April 24-28 in Quebec City while the 13-15 age group, is vying for berths at the Canadian Espoir Championships May 29-June 2 in Ottawa....

CLICK LINK BELOW TO READ MORE:

http://www.sirc.ca/news_view.cfm?id=51734

Nutrition Challenge Week 1 WINNER

Congratulations to the Winner of a 30th Anniversary Prize Pack for correctly answering the questions from Week 1 of our Nutrition Month Challenge Contest.

Britta Kokemor-Quinlan

There are still three more chances to win and test your nutrition knowledge. Contest ends March 31.

http://www.talismancentre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=261

Summer Sport Camps

Summer Sport Camp price list is now available! Registration starts March 14th for members, March 15th for non-members.

http://bit.ly/ZuHJr9

Aquathlon Results – March 10th

Aquathlon results are now posted. Congrats to all our participants!

http://bit.ly/TowEp6

30th Anniversary Child Care Draw Winners!

Thanks to everyone who visited our Child Care Centre in February and entered to win as part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations. Congratulations to all three winners:

1st: Kristen Williams
2nd: Lana Leonard
3rd: Geraldine Nolan

 Be sure keep checking our 30th Anniversary page for more celebrations to come.!

It's Nutrition Month! Enter to win!

30th Anniversary Pop Quiz #3

What year did 'Lindsay Park Sports Centre' become 'Talisman Centre'?

• 1990
• 2002
• 2004

Aquathlon March 10th

Register now for our next Aquathlon! All ages welcome.

Aquathlon

Triathlon Lecture Series #1

Date Night at Talisman Centre

Who wants to go out for calorie-heavy dinner on Valentines Day when they could bring their special someone to Talisman Centre?

Sweat it out together in one of our Group Fitness classes, challenge yourselves to a game of badminton or basketball, or enjoy a nice swim and then relax in the steam room. All Annual Members can bring a friend to work out with them on February 14th, 2013.

Just sign in at the Customer Service Desk (friend and Member must sign in together).

Heart Month

The Heart & Stroke Foundation and Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary are teaming up again this year at Talisman Centre in support of February's Heart Month.

Stop by their booth located at the South Entrance on one of the dates below to talk to one of their experts. Have your blood pressure checked, get information about the Know Your Numbers Campaign and check out some interesting articles on heart health.

February 6th, 7:00am – 9:00am
February 13th, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

GOLD FOR CANADA!