Held at Bedale Leisure Centre, over a hundred junior swimmers aged from 6 – 12 years competed in individual and team events – in front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and for the older swimmers – butterfly. The event finished off with a 12 strong cannon race composed of six boys and six girls one from each age group bringing out the atmosphere of the gala from both the teams and spectators with their cheering.
Thirsk White Horse Swim Team was the overall winning team on the day.
The Hambleton Swimming League is a collaborative effort between the clubs in Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Hambleton District Council.
“There is no emphasis on individual winners as we are trying to promote a team effort and minimise individual pressure that youngsters often place on themselves,” said Sam Davison, Chairman, Northallerton, ASC.
“On behalf of the four Chairman I would like to thank all the swimmers and spectators who make these events come alive and the helpers who from each club give up their time to act as marshals, judges and time keepers.
“Thanks must also go to Councillor Mrs Bridget Fortune who attended the event to hand out the medals who was really inspirational and it was great to have her on board. We hope the gala has promoted friendly competiveness and inspired the children to keep swimming.”
For more information about swimming opportunities in the Hambleton Area check out www.hambleton.gov.uk/zest/