TORONTO – Swimming Canada continued a unique and proud tradition Sunday as the members of the Olympic team were presented with their commemorative Olympic rings.

The 30-swimmer team is gathered in Toronto for a final staging camp in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The athletes took time out between training sessions to be recognized for their accomplishment in making the Olympic team. Each team member received a gold ring featuring the Olympic rings, continuing a tradition dating back to the 1984 Games.

Longtime national team coach Tom Johnson, a member of the Olympic coaching staff, reviewed the history of the rings, which are a symbol of Swimming Canada’s pride in the athletes and staff who have contributed to high performance sport. Originally designed by a Mexican swimming official Johnson crossed paths with at an international event, the rings were made and sold informally in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Swimming Canada formalized the tradition for the 1984 team and is believed to be the first national sport federation in the world to give such a ring to every team member. That summer Canada won its first gold medals since 1912.

“We felt it was something to move Swimming Canada forward on the world stage, to get the athletes to feel special and believe in themselves,” Johnson said. “It’s special in Canadian swimming. We started it, we’re continuing it and it’s become part of our culture.”

Also participating were Olympic alumni Annamay Pierse, Sandy Goss and Byron MacDonald. MacDonald addressed the group with an inspirational speech before each athlete and staff member was called up individually to receive their rings from Team Leader John Atkinson and Head Coach Ben Titley.

Following the ceremony, Swimming Canada also recognized longtime national teams manager Josey Corbo. This will be Corbo’s final Olympic Games after more than 25 years supporting Canadian swimmers behind the scenes. She received a standing ovation from the swimmers and other staff.