2nd Annual
Make a Splash!
Thank You!
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC extends a huge splash-sized thank you to everyone who helped bring the 2nd Annual Make a Splash to life. From our sponsors, donors, volunteers, participants, teams, duck adopters, community partners, celebrity referees, and enthusiastic spectators, this event would not have been possible without you.
Together, you created a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, community spirit, and, of course, plenty of splashing.
THANK YOU!
We Made a Splash!
We're thrilled to announce that together, we raised $40,517.94 in support of the YMCA Okanagan Swims program. These funds will help School District 23 Grade 3 students gain lifesaving swim skills, build confidence in and around the water, and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
But Make a Splash is about more than dollars raised.
It's about the child who learns to navigate the water safely for the first time. It's about building confidence, creating opportunities, and ensuring every child has access to essential lifesaving skills regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
It's also about bringing our community together around a cause that matters.
From cheering on giant inflatable duck racers to adopting ducks, sharing laughs, and supporting local children, you helped create an experience that people are still talking about long after the last duck crossed the finish line.
You made that happen.
A Day of Ducks, Laughter, and Community
This year's Make a Splash featured something for everyone.
Our community adopted 320 racing ducks and 28 Mega Ducks, all competing for prizes and bragging rights in the signature Make a Splash Duck Races.
The excitement didn't stop there.
The inaugural Quack & Splash Team Challenge brought together eight teams, bringing incredible energy to the event and raising funds for YMCA Okanagan Swims.
Together, Quack & Splash participants raised over $3,500 and created unforgettable moments in and out of the pool.
DJ Invizible kept the energy high throughout the event. At the same time, our celebrity referees, Mayor Tom Dyas, local Olympian Kierra Smith, and YMCA CEO Allyson Graf and helped keep the competition fair and the excitement flowing.
Most importantly, the day brought together hundreds of community members united by one goal: helping local children gain the skills they need to stay safe and confident in the water.
Check out the 2026 reel and relive the fun!
🏆 Race Champions
Duck Race
- Champion Duck: Duck #98—Michelle Jeske
- Most Chill Duck: Duck #85—Derek Badger
Mega Duck Race
- 1st place: Mega Duck #4—Shandi Schwartz
- 2nd place: Mega Duck #18—Shandi Schwartz
- 3rd place: Mega Duck #7—Jeremy Stubbington
🏆 Champion Teams
Quack & Splash Champions
- 1st place: The Guards Perchance
- 2nd place: Literary Ducks
- 3rd place: The Kelowna Chiefs
Top Fundraising Team
Congratulations to Gail's Duck Tales, our Top Fundraising Team, who raised an incredible $1,176 in support of YMCA Okanagan Swims.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Community Partners
Make a Splash would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and in-kind supporters.
Special thanks to our event sponsors, Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo, JMC Distribution, and FitSet Ninja…
…and the many businesses, organizations, and community partners who donated products, services, food, prizes, expertise, and countless hours of support to help make this event a success:
- Argus Properties
- BC Lions
- BC Sportswear
- Brenntag Canada
- Cactus Club Cafe
- Costco
- Eldorado Resort
- GSL Prospera Place
- Kelowna Paddle Centre
- Kelowna Rockets
- Mitch & Sydney's Your Independent Grocer
- Old Dutch Foods Ltd.
- Pizza Pizza
- Rocky Mountain Fitness
- Sandhill Wines
- Scandia Golf & Games
- Specsavers
- The Train Station Pub
- The Trophy Den
- Xperience Games Kelowna
A special thank you to the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise for generously donating their time and energy to operate the Hungry Duck Café throughout the event. From firing up the BBQ to serving hungry racers, volunteers, and spectators, your team helped keep everyone fueled, smiling, and ready for the next splash.
Your contributions helped turn a fundraiser into a memorable community experience.
Help More Children Learn Lifesaving Skills
Although the 2026 Make a Splash fundraising campaign has officially concluded, donations to YMCA Okanagan Swims continue to make a meaningful impact.
Every contribution helps local children access lifesaving swim skills, water safety education, and confidence in and around the water.
This Is Just the Beginning
In just its second year, Make a Splash continues to grow in participation, community engagement, and impact. We're energized by what we've accomplished together and excited for what's ahead.
Our vision is to keep growing this event and expanding its impact, ensuring more children across our region have access to essential swim instruction and water safety education.
Join us in 2027 as we continue making waves together.
To get involved or learn more, please connect with Berani Fielding at berani.fielding@ymcasibc.ca.
The countdown to Make a Splash 2027 has already begun. Start training!