26th October 2011

BRIDPORT: Young swimmers make a splash

By Tom Glover

YOUNG swimmers tested their abilities at the annual Bigfish Swimming Gala at the Bridport Leisure Centre.

The gala is for swimmers enrolled in the Bigfish Swim School’s main pool lessons and tests the youngsters with front crawl, back crawl and obstacle races.

A total of 41 swimmers took part from the Eggardon Seals, Colmers Swordfish, West Bay Dolphins and Bridport Sharks, cheered on by an enthusiastic audience of parents, grandparents and siblings.

Both the front and back crawl races produced some exciting finishes with less than a second separating gold and silver in many of the races.

The obstacle race also saw some tense finishes with every competitor managing to complete the task, despite some swimmers having to go back for a missed item.

All the swimmers then had a relaxing swim while the results were checked, certificates written and medals prepared.

Star performances came from Katie Pring, who won gold in all three races with the Eggardon Seals, Owen Griffiths, who got a gold, silver and bronze in his races with the Colmers Swordfish and Henry Wyrill, who got two gold medals and a silver in the West Bay Dolphins group.

In the Bridport Sharks group, both George Wyrill and Edward Seward claimed a gold, silver and bronze place.

Swimming co-ordinator, Penny Steventon, said: “Well done to all the swimmers and thank you to the following helpers, Nisa and Teresa Bellenie, Kirsty and Cameron Wills, Mr Richardson, Harry Seward, and Bigfish swimming teachers Virginia and Clare, also thanks to Maria for organising everything.”

If you would like more details of Bridport Leisure Centre’s Bigfish Swim School please contact Penny on 01308 427464 or email [email protected].