Otters Club embraces the Olympic Games spirit

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

OKEHAMPTON Otters Swimming and Life Saving Club held an Olympic themed gala as part of their celebrations of the London 2012 Games.
The club has fully embraced the Olympic spirit this year, sending a group to watch the British swimming trials in the Olympic Park’s Aquatics Centre back in March. They also had a big presence on Fore Street for the Olympic torch relay, with banners and lots of the club’s members cheering on Georgina Geikie as she carried the torch through the town centre.
The gala was a mix of serious races for different age groups and genders, alongside a series of fun Olympic themed challenges in the pool, including ‘horse riding’, ‘running’ and ‘boating’.
The event was opened by club lifesaving coach Tony Clark, and there were four medal presentations throughout the afternoon and evening.
The first presentation of medals was conducted by town mayor Cllr The Rev Mike Davies, and he also presented some lifesaving bronze medallions and rookie awards.
Other medal presentations were made throughout the day by Cllr Christine Marsh, chair of governors at Okehampton College Ian Courtenay, and OCRA’s Stuart Lord.
Waitrose also donated a cheque for more than £600 to the club through their Community Matters Scheme.
Club chairman Rob Ewen MBE thanked Karen Adams and Nicola Stoneman for their hard work organising the gala, to all the coaches, committee members and volunteers that helped in any way, and the swimmers for their enthusiasm and good sportsmanship.
The club has maintained its Swim 21 status again this year, which is the ASA seal of approval and club mark that ensures the club has workable policies and coaching to the national standard.
50 metres freestyle winners
Under 9s: 1, Grace James, 2, Elliott Svenson, 3, Cameron Brooking. Under 11s: 1, Molly Marvin, 2, Will Cunningham, 3, Jack Riley. Under 14s: 1, Jess James, 2, George Morgan, 3, Georgina Bridgman. Under 16s: 1, Dan Squire, 2, Ben Phillips, 3, Will Cooper. Open: 1, Dominic Wooldridge, 2, Sam Collett, 3, Henry Cooper.
For Otters information, go to www.okehamptonswimmingclub.co.uk

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