When Art Sidwell was 11 years old in England, he earned a diploma for his swimming prowess. The award gave him free use of the pool for the following year and a life-long love of swimming began. A competitive swimmer himself, “Pop” Sidwell won a Silver Medal in 1930 in the 220 yd. breaststroke at the Canadian Championship. But it was his contribution as a builder of the sport of swimming that sees him honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame.

Sidwell immigrated to Winnipeg in 1920 where he spent the next 60 years of his life. During that time, he became one of the best-known and loved coaches in the history of sport in Manitoba. He contributed to the development of some of the best swimmers ever produced by this province including fellow Hall of Famers Albert Ford and Vivian King. Thousands of Winnipeg youngsters came under his influence over the years and learned to handle themselves in the water due to his patience and instructional skill. Many, in turn, sent their own children to him.

His serious coaching career began in 1938 when he was coach of the “Y” Tankers at the YMCA. Two years later he added the YWCA to his resume. Almost every night of the week for more than 35 years, “Pop” could be found at either the YM or YWCA conducting classes. In 1942 Sidwell was appointed swim coach at the University of Manitoba. He held that position until the university dropped out of competition in 1950. The one great disappointment of his life came when the Director of Physical Education for Winnipeg schools decided to drop swimming from the athletic program; a move Sidwell vehemently protested to no avail.

An author, instructor and true coach, “Pop” Sidwell was honoured by the YMCA and the City with a tribute dinner in 1960. The Mid-Can Masters have held an annual swim meet named after him for over 25 years.