Hambleton’s four swimming clubs battled it out last weekend in their fourth swimming gala.
Held at Bedale Leisure Centre, over a hundred junior swimmers aged from 6 – 14 years competed in individual and team events – in front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and for the older swimmers – butterfly. The event finished off with an eight 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.
Northallerton Amateur Swim Club took top spot for the first time after pushing previous winners, Thirsk White Horse Swim Team into second place.
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 especially as the majority were first timers, their 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.”
The league is also searching for sponsors to help promote cohesive local competitive swimming and secure specialist equipment to host the galas to the highest standard – for more information contact Sam Davison on 07805 113274.
For more information about swimming opportunities in the Hambleton Area check out www.hambleton.gov.uk/zest/