Paul Odell Receives Mayor’s Special Award

On August 1st, 2015, at 58 years old, Paul Odell successfully swam 21 kilometres across the frigid waters of Cold Lake, becoming the first man to complete the feet. Mayor of Cold Lake Craig Copeland says in honour of that accomplishment City Council has awarded the swimmer the Mayor’s Special Award.

“We recognized the amazing swim he did across Cold Lake. From what our records indicate, he’s the first one to ever swim across Cold Lake.” Mayor Copeland says not only was the City impressed by Odell’s swim, but they were equally moved by the fact that Odell swam to raise money for a local charity. “He raised money for Randy’s Riders Cure for Cancer, he raised just over $7,500 in that one event.”

Paul Odell’s a tremendous athlete – Craig Copeland Mayor of Cold Lake

Odell was presented with a print, from local artist Alex Janvier, as well as a letter congratulating the athlete. Mayor Copeland says Odell raised the community’s spirits, as well as gave people a sense of possibility, “lots of people were there that day on the beach, they really rallied around his swim, which was good to see.”

The Mayor’s Special award provides for a letter of recognition and a token of appreciation “…to congratulate citizens, groups or organizations for significant achievements that have brought credit to our Town.”