CHARLES TWEED/Ponoka News
“Cannonball!”
There were plenty of splashes at the pool during spring break as the Ponoka Aquaplex and Tim Hortons teamed up to give students plenty of time for free swims.
The program, which is sponsored by Tim Hortons, allows children of all ages the opportunity to hit the pool for a free swim in an effort to promote activity, participation, and fun. Ponoka Tim Hortons owners Bob and Carol Podritske were thrilled to see the turnout and response the program received at the Aquaplex.
“In Ponoka, we like to see the kids busy. It’s spring break and we like to get them away from the TV and computer. The community has been very good to us so we want to help out and give back to the community,” said Mr. Podritske.
This free swim week program is in its first year in Ponoka but the Podritskes would like to change that.
“I want to make it an annual event and the success that we’ve seen this week we will be having it again next year and hopefully for years to come,” said Mr. Podritske.
The pool hit its capacity every day the program ran and in many cases there was a line up of children waiting to get into the pool after the limit was reached — a good problem to have.
“They’ve (kids) have all been really good, it’s been a great crowd,” said Jackie Olson, manager of the Ponoka Aquaplex. “We’ve also seen a lot of families that we don’t usually have.”
Tim Hortons also donated uniforms and boards for the lifeguards. For more information on Tim Hortons’ program visit www.timhortons.com