Chapeltown & District Amateur Swimming Club

Affiliated to ASA, NECSSA, YSA, S&D ASA, RLSS

Reply to: Mr Kevin Canetti (Publicity Officer), 4 Fulmar Way, Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham, S61 2PE. Tel: 07973 548534 Email: kevin.canetti@wharncliffe.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE

27^th November 2006

Clean sweep for St Mary’s at Chapeltown ASC’s annual Schools’ gala

On 20^th November Chapeltown Amateur Swimming Club hosted its annual schools’ swimming gala, giving around 100 local children the chance to try out competitive swimming for the first time. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School walked away with first place after the 25 races and also took first place in both the girls and the boys diving competitions.

St. Mary’s were competing against Lound Junior School, Ecclesfield Primary School, Monteney Primary School, and Southey Green Community School, and went into the final 8 length relay cannon race just 1 point behind Lound. Despite the great efforts of the Lound swimmers, St’ Mary’s won the race and took the gala trophy home until next year’s gala. The final finishing order for the gala was St. Mary's, Lound, Ecclesfield, Monteney, and Southey Green.

After the final race, the club held a diving competition for the first time which was judged by 3 of the coaches from the club. St. Mary’s pupils, Jane Winterbottom won the girl’s trophy, and Connor O’Grady winning the boys trophy.

The gala was held at Chapeltown Baths and Katherine Smith of St. Mary’s, was delighted with their first place, “This has been a great experience for the children, many of which have swimming lessons at Chapeltown Baths but have never competed in a swimming race. Judging by the noise and enthusiasm, parents and swimmers had a thoroughly great time; we’re looking forward to trying to retain the trophy next year.”

All the swimmers received medals at the end of the race along with a gift from Chapeltown swimming club.

Tom Barlow, Chairman of Chapeltown ASC, commented on the event, “you can’t fault the efforts of all the swimmers, they really tried hard in every race despite their varying levels of ability. We can only hope that many go on to take up swimming as either a leisure activity or a sport at a club like ours; you never know there may be a future Olympic champion amongst tonight’s competitors.”

Picture: St. Mary’s team with the first place trophy and their individual medals.

Story By Kevin Canetti