AN ANNUAL primary schools swimming gala in Winchester saw “an amazing atmosphere” with hundreds of swimmers.
The 21st Winchester City Penguins Primary Schools Gala welcomed 23 schools, more than 230 swimmers and 50 volunteers to Winchester Sport and Leisure Park on Friday, June 9.
More than 20 races were held, including individual and relay events, aw well as an invitational fun float relay to give all the swimmers the chance to win a prize.
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This year’s main sponsor was Winchester Round Table, other sponsors included Alexander Design, Hendy, Christes Hospital, SuperCamps, Treasure Gymnastics, Everyone Active and Embley School.
The deputy mayor Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith and Cllr Jan Warwick also came to support the children and help with the presentations, with all the children leaving with goody bags and t-shirts.
Penguins Club CEO, Grant Robins, said: “I witnessed such an amazing atmosphere at the annual Schools gala where 230 swimmers enjoyed the water on Friday. The opportunity to work with so many local schools to enable so many children to participate is crucial to us as a club and how we operate within the Winchester community.
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“I hope swimmers, teachers and officials all enjoyed their time with us. We will go again next year as it so important to feel and be confident around the pool, and we will also be hosting this year's Inclusive Gala for children with additional needs in two weeks.
“I’d like to thank our sponsors, the deputy mayor and Cllr Jan Warwick for supporting the event, Everyone Active, all of our volunteers and in particular all the schools for working to support us to put this event on, it’s amazing.”
Full list of schools that took part: All Saints, Bishop’s Waltham, John Keble, Kings Worthy, Merdon, Oliver’s Battery, Otterbourne, Owslebury, Scatabout, Sherbourne House, South Wonston, St Bede, St Faith’s, St Swithun Wells, St Swithun’s, Stanmore, The Pilgrims’, Twyford, Twyford St. Mary’s, Upham, Weeke, Western and Winnall.
Winners:
Year four boys, 25m – Twyford
Year four girls, 25m – Bishop’s Waltham
Boys mixed stroke relay – Pilgrims’
Girls mixed stroke relay – Twyford
Boys freestyle relay – Twyford
Girls freestyle relay – Twyford
Boys invitational relay – John Keble
Girls invitational relay – St Bede
For more information about lessons, competitive swimming and community programmes with Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club go to wcpsc.org.uk or contact lessonsadmin@wcpsc.org.uk.
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