Andrew (Andy) Wittlinger has enjoyed enormous success since joining the Yellowknife Polar Bear Swim Club in 1996.
To date his highlights have included participation in the 2001 Canada Summer Games (London, Ontario) and the 2002 North American Indigenous Games (Winnipeg) where he picked up 12 medals, one for each of the evens he swam at the meet and the 2005 Canada Summer Games (Regina, Saskatchewan).
Andy won four individual gold (50 & 1500 freestyle and 50 and 100 butterfly) at the 2002 NAIG Games. Along with his teammates Colin Stipdonk, Kirk MacLelland and Robin (Uncle Dave) Gordon, Andy also won gold in the 200 and 400 meter free relay and the 200 medley relay.
In May 2003, Andy added to his list of accomplishments by receiving the "Junior Athlete of the Year Award" from Sport North Federation.
Check out the newspaper articles from the Yellowknifer (August 14, 2002)
Transcript of Member's Statement On Recognition Of Amy And Andy Wittlinger. NWT Legislative Assembley.
From www.sandyleemla.com
Friday, February 21, 2003
MS. LEE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following up on the Minister's well wishes for our athletes going to the Canada Winter Games, later today I will be recognizing in the Gallery two remarkable young athletes from my riding about whom I have spoken before in the House. Mr. Speaker, the records of Amy Wittlinger and Andy Wittlinger are indeed impressive. In the 2002 Northern American Indigenous Games in Winnipeg, Andy and Amy were major contributors in amassing 25 swimming medals for the NWT. Andy won nine individual medals and two medals as a member of a relay team. Amy won seven individual medals and two as a member of a relay team. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, Andy and Amy combined to break five NWT swimming records.
Amy's and Andy's accomplishments go beyond the Indigenous games, Mr. Speaker; they have also attended the Alberta Senior championships for the past three years and have had numerous top ten finishes. In April, 2002, Amy competed at the Edmonton Keyano International Asia Group Meet in Edmonton, Alberta against swimmers from 33 clubs across Canada and the United States and several other countries.
Amy and Andy also have very supportive and hard working parents, who deserve a lot of credit for their success. We know that athletes succeed by working hard to obtain the maximum potential their talent could bring. It is also true that their road is much more meaningful and easier with the support of family, friends and community. Their parents, Chris and Fred Wittlinger, have been there every step of the way to support them and support these remarkable athletes.
Mr. Speaker, Amy and Andy are both young leaders giving time back to the Yellowknife Polar Bears Swimming Club. They are qualified coaches and are currently helping the younger age group swimmers with the club. Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Amy and Andy Wittlinger later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
