Nisga’a Lisims Government recently supported Kleanza Cathers from Gingolx to compete in the Far Western Championship swim meet in San Jose, California. There were 1,700 of some of the best swimmers in their respective age groups from across Canada, USA and Mexico in attendance.

Kleanza, 13 years of age,  competed extremely well in the 13 – 14 girls division.   She swam to her personal best times, and attained two more tough national time standards for her age group, for a total of three personal best times.  Kleanza is only the second swimmer from northwest BC to qualify in three swims for age group nationals.

The Far Western Championship meet is consistently one of the fastest age group meets in the USA. In its tenth decade, the Far Western Championships saw Olympic and World Champions, including US Olympic Champion Michael Phelps compete in it as age group swimmers.

Her mother, Laverne Cathers (maiden name Smythe), provided us with a photo of Kleanza swimming in the 400 meter event on her way to qualifying for the Canadian age group nationals in the event.

Laverne went on state, “We just wanted to say a big thank you for your support of Kleanza…”   Nisga’a Lisims Government provided a financial contribution to support Kleanza’s participation in the event from the Sports and Recreation fund, which is open to application from all Nisga’a citizens, particularly our youth, who are competing in sporting events.

Our congratulations to Kleanza for achieving these amazing milestones.  S’am wilsim Kleanza – continue to swim well!