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By LNN Staff

Five-Year Agreement

U of L Pronghorns and Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club finalize new affiliation agreement

Mar 31, 2026 | 3:35 PM

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns have finalized a new five-year Affiliation Agreement between University of Lethbridge Athletics and Recreational Services (ARS) and the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club (LASC), marking a significant step forward in the longstanding partnership between the two organizations. Officials say the agreement includes renewal options for up to 20 years.

University officials further note, the new agreement replaces the original 1997 cooperation agreement and reflects a modernized approach to collaboration at the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre.

Key components are said to include the implementation of an annual facility use agreement, a shared technical leadership model through a jointly funded head coach position (75 per cent University of Lethbridge, 25 per cent LASC), and clearly defined governance, insurance and risk management provisions.

According to the institution, the updated structure is designed to strengthen alignment between ARS and LASC while ensuring operational clarity and sustainability for both high-performance and community-based programming.

The university says it also formalizes a framework for future collaboration on facility enhancements and capital projects, including jointly pursuing grant funding for improvements to the Max Bell Centre and related aquatic infrastructure.

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LASC President Jason Walper said the renewed agreement reinforces a long-established development pathway for swimmers in the community, connecting grassroots programming with university-level competition.

“This renewed agreement strengthens the pathway that has supported young swimmers in our community for generations,” said Walper, in a press release Tuesday.

He added that LASC remains committed to developing athletes at all stages, noting that many Pronghorn swimmers begin with the club and often return to coach and mentor the next generation.

The partnership, he said, reflects a shared commitment to ensuring athletes, from beginners to national-level competitors, have the support and facilities needed to succeed in an environment where community development and high-performance excellence work hand in hand.

University of Lethbridge Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Neil Langevin said the agreement highlights the strength of collaboration between the institution and the local sport community.

“This renewed affiliation showcases how the community and the University of Lethbridge work together at their best. It strengthens our Pronghorns varsity program, supports community and learn-to-swim opportunities, and ensures the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre continues to serve as a home for swimmers at every stage of their journey from starting out to the Olympics,” said Langevin.

Officials say the timing of the agreement coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre, offering an opportunity to celebrate the facility’s legacy as a hub for both competitive and recreational swimming in the community. Over the past four decades, they say the partnership between the Pronghorns and LASC has supported athlete development at all levels, from grassroots participation to national-level competition.

The university says the new Affiliation Agreement provides a strong foundation for continued growth and collaboration, ensuring both organizations remain well-positioned to serve athletes, students and the broader Lethbridge community for years to come.