Fonds - Richmond Swim Club fonds

The Richmond Swim Club had its origins in a summer swimming program known as the West-Lu Group begun in 1959 by Richmond Recreation at the newly built Centennial Pool. The success of the initial summer session led to the formation in 1960 of the Richmond-Jericho Hill Swim Club, whose members swam during the winter at the Percy Norman Pool. In 1964 the club began swimming exclusively in the summer and was renamed the Richmond Swim Club, although it was also referred to occasionally as the Richmond Amateur Swim Club. In 1965 the club joined the British Columbia Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA). In 1970 the club voted to adopt the name Kigoos a west coast native word that means he who swims like a fish. The Richmond Swim Club is a member of the Fraser South Region of the BCSSA, and was incorporated as a society under the Society Act of British Columbia. While the club initially participated exclusively in swimming events, other water sports were added over the years including diving (1976) and waterpolo (1989). In 1979 the club participated in an exchange with swimmers from Wakayama, Japan visiting Richmond.