Y Penguins

In 2001, a partnership between former marathon swimmer Vicki Keith and the YMCA of Kingston resulted in the development of the Y Penguins Aquatic Club. Vicki knew that there was a huge need in our communities for sport and physical activities for young people with physical disabilities. Having grown up at the YMCA, Vicki felt strongly that this was the ideal place for such a project.

The Y Penguins was developed as a swim team for children with physical disabilities and their able-bodied siblings. Through sport, these young people explore their abilities and find within themselves the confidence to pursue their goals and the capacity to develop the skills that will help them see the many possibilities for their future.

Today, the Y Penguins is a swim program for children diagnosed with a physical disability. This grassroots program helps participants explore their abilities and develop strength, independence and confidence as they pursue their goals in a safe, nurturing environment. Swimmers learn how to focus on their abilities while they develop their swimming skills. This program provides opportunities to meet new friends and have fun, while they learn about the exciting sport of competitive swimming.


“The only disability is a bad attitude.”
– Jenna Lambert at age 14, after becoming the first female with a disability to swim across Lake Ontario

Participants can transition through 3 stages of development.

Learn to Swim: Participants learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swimming skills like floats, glides and basic front and back propulsion.

Skill development: Participants begin development in the 4 competitive strokes as well as dives, turns and other skills taught in a competitive swimming environment.

Pre-Competitive: Participants experience a basic training environment. They follow simple workouts as designed by their coach as well as continuing with skill development.

As swimmers graduate from the pre-competitive stage, they are ready to take advanced swimming lessons, join a swim team, investigate first aid and lifesaving courses, or just enjoy the freedom that water offers as they develop awareness of the value of a healthy, active lifestyle.

For more information, or to determine who is eligible to participate in this program please contact one of our coaches at penguins@eo.ymca.ca


"Being a part of Y Penguins has allowed me to not disapprove of my disability so much."
– Jenna Lambert, age 10
“Before I joined the Y Penguins, I couldn’t admit that I had a disability. Today, I am proud to say I have a disability. I have learned that I am unique; my disabilities don’t have to direct my life. The Y Penguins give me a place where I belong. I now know I can do anything I set my mind on.” 
– Chris Sergeant-Tsono – international award and title holder – age 13