For years, the Coronado municipal pool has been home to the Different Strokes Swim Team’s (DSST) practices as well as the site of its swimming competitions. However, with remodeling of the community center in Coronado underway the pool is no longer in use and the swim team has found a new home, going back to their roots at the Allied Gardens municipal pool. This Sunday, the DSST will hold a potluck at 11:00 a.m., following their regularly scheduled practice at the Allied Gardens pool (6707 Glenroy Street), to bring together both old and new members of the team.

“The idea was since the Coronado pool is closing, which we consider to be our home pool, that we would do this reunion with all the old swimmers and coaches,” David Lynch the chair of the DSST told the Gay and Lesbian Times. “We are also combining it with the IGLA awards. A lot of us didn’t receive our awards at the event and they were sent to our head coach this week, so he will present them at this potluck.”

Last month San Diego took third place in the International Lesbian and Gay Aquatics (IGLA) championship in San Francisco. Despite the impressive showing at the swim meet, San Diego is struggling to keep up with the every increasing cost of pool space.

“One of the reasons for this potluck is to try to bring back some of the old swimmers,” Lynch said. “We’re trying to increase our attendance because the city pools are a lot more expensive than the Coronado pools, [and we need more members] so that we can afford to pay for these pools. Every city facility that is supported by taxes is going up, and the individuals are having to pay for it out of their pocket. We are suffering from the same thing.”

Currently the swim team holds evening practices Monday through Friday at the City Heights Pool and Sunday practices have moved to the Allied Gardens pool. The DSST is a Masters swim team for the GLBT community. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of skill level or experience, all practices are staffed with a coach and lifeguards are always on duty. For more information on the Different Strokes Swim Team, visit this story online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the swim team’s web site or call their information line at (619) 525-SWIM.