Competitors make a splash at Alnwick Dolphins' swim gala

The Northumberland Meet was a licensed level 3 Invitational gala with swimming clubs attending from Morpeth, Ashington, Blyth and Tynedale. It gave the Alnwick Dolphins’ swimmers a great opportunity to swim at a gala in their own pool.

It is nearly ten years since the club hosted a gala, which will hopefully now be held every year.

The committee over the last few years have invested a considerable amount of time and the clubs money upgrading the electronic timing system and starting blocks to be equipped to host the event.

Chairman Paul Batley said, “The aim of the gala is to give our swimmers a chance to race in a positive supportive environment whether they are swimming in their first gala or already competing at County, Regional or National levels.”

The gala had a full range of events to help swimmers achieve qualifying times either in their favourite events or as a springboard to enter for higher level success this season. The events included all strokes with distances ranging from 50mto 150m.

The swimmers achieved some extremely competitive times with personal best times achieved by many of them. Gold, silver and bronze medals where awarded in each age category.

Grateful thanks from the Dolphins Club Committee to the parents for tremendous support. Thanks to Willowburn for facilitating and help on the day and to the swimmers and their coaches who made the event a great success.