The Diane Hanson Coaches Award was given to Weyburn Silver Seals Coach Claudia Lenferna on July 31. The award is in memory of Diane Hanson and is made possible by the Miller Family from Assiniboia.

Hanson was a coach with the Weyburn Silver Seals in the early to mid 1990s. She passed away in 2008 from cancer.

The intent of this award is to keep Hanson’s memory alive by celebrating her qualities in younger coaches and swimmers. Her qualities are believed to be the traits that make for great Summer Swimming coaches.

This is an award that will not necessarily be presented each year, only in years when the candidates meet the necessary criteria, including being a registered Saskatchewan Summer Swim Coach, who is also registered as a Senior Swimmer in the year of nomination; involved with Saskatchewan Summer Swimming for a minimum of five years; having a positive influence over younger swimmers; competitive and strives to get the best out of their swimmers, but also knows that the most important part of swimming is to have fun; recognized for his/her coaching ability; respected and almost idolized by their swimmers.

Nominations may come from anyone in the Summer Swim Community. The forms must explain, in detail, why the coach being nominated meets the criteria.

Nominations will be reviewed and voted upon by the current Summer Swimming Program Committee with the final decision being made by the Miller Family. Nominations are due July 15, 2011.