After waiting 10 months and having to miss the initial presentation evening in November, Marnie Eistetter was extremely excited to now receive from Synchro Saskatchewan her Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her contribution to Canadian sport. She had not seen the medal or certificate over these many months making this a very special evening with fellow Synchro members in attendance at a small evening dinner party in Regina.
Marnie was chosen as one of 41 members of the Canadian sport community across the country to be honoured with the receipt of this medal that was announced in February 2013. Synchro Saskatchewan submitted Marnie’s nomination in the fall of 2012 after receiving a call for applications from the Canadian Olympic Committee. Nominations were evaluated by a panel of three distinguished judges, including Canadian Olympic legend and International Olympic Committee member in Canada Richard Pound, Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan, and President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Marcel Aubut.
Quoted on the Olympic web site; “Marnie Eistetter has had a lifelong affiliation with synchronized swimming and has been a vital player in the sport’s growth and success in Saskatchewan. She got her start in the sport as an athlete in 1949. When her daughters became competitive in the 1970s, she turned to volunteering and has held numerous positions, including board member, treasurer, chief scorer, coach and judge. Eistetter is the longest serving board member in Synchro Saskatchewan history (1973 to 2003) and served two separate terms as president. She has received various accolades, including induction to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, the same year that Synchro Saskatchewan’s annual fall competition was named in her honour.”
Marnie was quoted upon notification saying; “I have a life-long love for synchronized swimming and the synchro community and all the people who I have worked with. When I see the success of our swimmers - those who have grown into wonderful young (and older) women - some with children of their own - and many of them giving back to the synchro community by coaching, judging and serving on the Board and committees, I feel blessed that I have been able to continue on in our sport and help wherever I can. It's such an inspiration for me when I see the success of our swimmers and the wonderful role models they have become while growing up into young women. I'm so proud of all of them - and our wonderful coaches, and judges, and volunteers.”
“A HUGE congratulations to you Marnie”; says Synchro Sask president, Brenda Lyons. “You are such an inspiration to all woman and to all volunteers. I cannot think of what synchro in our province would be like without you. You have worked so hard and the fruits of your labour has been enjoyed by hundreds of young women. Thank you for all that you have done, and all that you do!!”
In the coming weeks and months, local celebrations will take place in order for the recipients to receive their medals in person, and be publically recognized for their contribution. Synchro Saskatchewan will pass along more details once more is known of the presentation to Marnie.
CONGRATULATIONS MARNIE!!!