On Saturday 7th October City of Bristol Aquatics and Swift inclusive sport came together and hosted a fantastic inclusive disability gala at Horfield Leisure centre. The excitement from the 80 swimmers who took part was obvious from the minute you went onto the poolside. There were local teams from Avon Swifts, Bristol Sharks, City of Bristol Aquatics, Level Water plus teams travelled from Plymouth, Birmingham and Swindon. The swimmers taking part all had something a bit more special than any usual gala, as they were all swimming with either physical or learning disabilities. As the heats started, the cheers from the crowd resonated through the building, helping all the swimmers find that little bit of extra confidence and sprint down the pool with ease. Medals were awarded after each heat and before long many swimmers were proudly wearing numerous medals around their necks. The gala reached a peek during the relay races as all the swimmers took their place in leading their teams down the pool. Thanks has to be given to the huge number of volunteers who helped make this a huge success and firmly putting Bristol on the map as a leader in disability swimming. A number of these swimmers have already been back in the pool training hard and asking when they can do it all again...so it looks like 2018 will be even more successful.
Award winners were;
- The Amarelle Cup for Junior Female Endeavour
Winner: Sophie York
Team Name: City of Bristol Aquatics / Level Water - The Amarelle Cup for Junior Male Endeavour
Winner: Kacper Siwinski
Team Name: Plymouth - The Ann Trotman Trophy for Senior Female Endeavour
Winner: Cerys Poole
Team Name: St Roses School - The Ann Trotman Trophy for Senior Male Endeavour
Winner: Ashley Jenkins
Team Name: Independent - The City of Bristol Aquatics Junior Queen of The Pool Cup
Winner: Maddie Downs
Team Name: Birmingham Lightening Bolts - The Roger Feneley Junior King of The Pool Cup
Winner: Andrew Rutherford
Team Name: Swindon Dolphins - The Kingscott Family Senior Queen of The Pool Cup
Winner: Beth Wiltshire
Team Name: Bristol Sharks - The Kingscott Family Senior King of The Pool Cup
Winner: Tom Jeal
Team Name: Choices 4U