Smelts can and do participate in a variety of different events every year. These include Local Masters swim meets, IGLA Meets, and triathlons.
The Chicago Smelts were recently selected to be the host team for the 2011 3000 & 6000 events of the USMS Postal series.
The Smelts are members of the Illinois Masters Swimming Association (ILSMA). ILMSA is a Local Masters Swimming Committee (LMSC) of United States Masters Swimming. Geographically, it governs most of the state of Illinois - visit ilmsa.com
Each year, Smelts swim in local meets sanctioned through ILMSA. There are close to 15 different meets throughout the winter and a few meets in the summer. Groups of Smelts usually attend every meet, but not everyone goes to all of the meets. The most popular meets are the Evanston Invitational and the ILSMA Championships at Northwestern University. In 2002, the Smelts took home 6th place (out of more than 40 teams) and in 2003, the Smelts finished in 7th place. All levels of ability compete in the meets – from former collegiate champions to new swimmers.
The Smelts also compete in open water events throughout Illinois. Some even travel across the country for open water events. The most popular race of the year is the Big Shoulders swim in Lake Michigan in the beginning of September. (visit www.bigshoulders.org) In 2003, more than 20 Smelts took in an amazing view of the Chicago skyline as they competed in the 5K or 2.5K circle swim at Olive Beach.
Most recently, the Smelts participated the Central Masters Swimming Championship meet held at Barrington High School. Overall, 17 registered in a total of 108 swims. Following a lot of incredible swims and a number of personal bests, the Smelts placed 12th out of the more than 50 teams participating.
The Smelts are part of the International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics, a global federation of Gay & Lesbian swim teams. The annual IGLA championship meet is held in a different city each year and has been a fixture on many Smelts' calendar for years.
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