With Halloween fun complete and Bonfire Night celebrations beginning, Saturday 4th November was to be another exciting evening.
Determined swimmers in all age groups from Portland competed against five other Nottingham swimming clubs in the last JC Dobb league gala of the season. All our swimmers showed much enthusiasm giving their all, whether swimming an individual race or a relay with other team members.
It was fantastic to see how the youngest swimmers in our club have grown in stamina and confidence and are now diving in at each gala. This of course is now gaining them valuable time and speed during each race. Most of these age 10 and under have been with Portland for little over 6 months, so well done to Sam, Harry, Bethany, Isla, Taka, Sakhi, Esmee and Efan.
As fireworks shot through the night sky outside, we had swimmers shooting through the water inside…..
Race 7 was a mixed open medley relay, which saw Emma, Ed, Stan and Erin swim amazingly well. It was a noticeably strong relay team and had everyone cheering when they came first. Erin was also our Lane End person during this gala, so a big Thank You to Erin for juggling this and competing as well.
Race 30 saw Emma, Freya, Erin and Bea win their freestyle relay, an absolute pleasure to watch!
The 14/U freestyle relay was also won by Angelina, Freya, Mai and Emma, so well done to you too girls.
Bea’s 50m fly was really lovely to watch, as was Emma’s 50m Breaststroke, Angelina’s 50m free, Bethany’s 25m backstroke and Freya’s 50m backstroke. All looked so effortless, but with much power as they were gliding through the water.
Coleby swam beautifuly in her individual races and in her relays too, looking so professional having only been in the club for a year and only being 12 years old.
All Portland Team members were being so supportive and cheering eachother on during the different races. Some lovely friendships have developed and it’s really nice to see all age groups enjoying eachother’s company and experiencing the galas together……..what a nice, friendly club to be a member of.
Race 14 was the boys 12/U freestyle relay. Harrison, Taka, Efan and Lucian swam a strong competitive race and came a fantastic second.
Stan, Raj, Lucian and Efan also came second in their 14/U freestyle relay, so well done to you too boys.
Stan was so powerful and strong swimming his 50m fly and coming a well deserved first place.
Ed and Raj gained Portland many valuable points swimming in relays and individually. First places were achieved or they were always within the first three to finish, making the most difficult strokes look so easy.
When the results were anounced, we had achieved fourth place overall, so a huge well done to all Team Members who took part on this evening.
Thank you to all who helped with the organisation and the smooth running of another great gala.
Next on the calendar is The Club Party and Presentation evening to look forward to on November 24th, where all swimmers and their families can celebrate their achievements and have fun with their friends.
