Contributed photo Pictured from left are Shelley Lechnir — Aquatics Director, Gary Ross — Property Manager and Carol Hibbs — CEO of the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.

The Marshalltown community has helped earn its YMCA-YWCA a state accolade.

The Marshalltown YMCA and YWCA will receive the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union Executive Director’s award for enhancing the experience of Iowa girls.

“We’ve been chosen by the girl’s Athletic Union for an award that isn’t presented every year,” Carol Hibbs, Y executive director said. “It’s a special award. It’s a special honor from the executive director …We’re just thrilled we are able to accept this on behalf of the community.”

This is the fifth time an organization or individual has received this award.

Hibbs and her staff will receive the award on Friday at the 2020 Girls’ State Basketball Tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena.

“It takes a community to make it a success,” Hibbs said. “We work really hard to make sure the girls are having a good experience.”

For Hibbs the award belongs to the community.

“We’re honored to be selected for this award… we’re accepting it on behalf of the Marshalltown community,” Hibbs said.

Without a community effort hosting a state swim meet would be far more difficult. The Y has hosted the state women’s swimming and diving meet since 2004.

“We are very excited about the award,” David Barajas, Y Chief Volunteer Officer, said. “When people come into the Marshalltown facility they are in awe with how beautiful it is.”

Barajas echoed Hibb’s sentiment about the award truly belonging to the community.

“When people think of Marshalltown they think of the YMCA,” Barajas said. “We feel like we are a very positive ambassador for our community.”

Hibb’s and the Y’s goals have been to make the meet the best possible experience for girls and their families, she said.

“We’re just pleased they’re recognizing the work of our community and our volunteers,” Hibbs said. “We are known across the state for hosting the meet in a very professional manner. It takes a community to make it a success and make it a good experience for swimmers and fans.”

This weekend the Y will host the Iowa YMCA State Championship Swim for boys and girls. At least 2,000 people are expected to attend the swim meet.

“We work really hard to make sure the girls are having a good experience and the spectators and fans also have a good experience,” Hibbs said. “Our swim volunteers and staff members have really made this a premiere event since 2004.”

The pool has an eight-lane 25 year pool with Daktronics timing on both ends and seating for 2,500 people.

“It’s a very electric atmosphere because every seat is right over where the competition happens,” Hibbs said.

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Contact Thomas Nelson at 641-753-6611 or tnelson@timesrepublican.com