Joan Gunn

Joan has been coaching for just over 10 years and has enjoyed every minute of it.  She began coaching with the Salt Spring Island Special Olympics group in 2012. When she moved to Alberta in 2018 she continued her coaching with Special Olympics Calgary and has been coaching with them ever since.

Joan also swims competitive with Masters and competes at local, national and international levels. Recently she came home with six silver medals from the World Masters Games in Taipei, Taiwan.

In addition to coaching locally, Joan is the head coach for the Team Alberta for Special Olympics Nationals swim team. She looks forward to getting to know everyone and helping them with their swimming skills.


Paidge Bergen

Paige grew up in Calgary where she began competitive swimming at the age of seven. She swam in Calgary until attending the University of British Columbia where she competed on the varsity swim team while earning her degree in Psychology. During her athletic career, Paige competed nationally and internationally during which she contributed to her varsity team's four consecutive university championship titles.

Paige continued swimming through her graduation in 2021 and gradually transistioned into coaching. She has coached summer club swimming and summer performance camps, gaining experience with swimmers of various ages and skill levels. She later returned to the sport as a Master swimmer with the Cochrane Masters Swim Club and inspired by the strong team environment, has joined the coaching staff.

Paige is passionate about helping swimmers find joy in the sport and is committed to supporting athletes in any way she can.


Dax Blackwood

Dax has experience in coaching four different clubs over the past few years and a background as a lifeguard.  Dax brings a high level of safety and technical knowledge to the deck and is always open to receive feedback. He has worked with swimmers ranging from age 6 to 67+ giving him a unique perspective on how to adapt drills for every stage of life and fitness level.  Currently Dax is a high school senior and is driven by the "lightbulb moment" - that rewarding second when a complex stroke finally feels effortless for a swimmer.

When Dax isn't helping Masters athletes crush their milestones, he is likely teaching piano, writing music or refueling with a cup of coffee.  His life goal is to become a paramedic and a release artist. In his sparse time you will find him in the mountains or out on the lake soaking up the outdoors. Whether you are training for a meet or just looking to improve you strokes, Dax is there to help you reach your goals with a smile.