Swimming gala is a splashing success

This year’s champions were Frankie Lucas and Sofia Scott who took first places in the championship races and in numerous races in their age categories. Frankie is a P6 pupil from Whiting Bay Primary and Sofia is a P7 pupil at Brodick Primary School.

The event is organised and run by Active Schools co-ordinator Ross Dobson, North Ayrshire Sports Academy pupils from Arran High School, teachers and numerous volunteers.

Participants sit on one half of the swimming pool and parents and supporters enjoy the action from the other side of the pool. Pupil and parents cheer on the swimmers with the noise levels and the facility’s temperature matching the fast-paced action in the pool.

In an effort and providing more opportunity for young swimmers who may struggle with sensory overload, this year’s gala included an earlier, closed session where some pupils could participate without the noise distraction.

Speaking after the event, Active Schools co-ordinator Ross Dobson said: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Arran Swimming Gala. What a fantastic event it turned out to be. It was brilliant to see so many young swimmers taking part, showing great enthusiasm, determination, and sportsmanship.

“Special congratulations to all competitors, and particularly to Sofia Scott and Frankie Lucas, who both claimed boys and girls champion titles in the champions race, an amazing achievement.

“We are incredibly grateful to Caroline McArdle, LouisaMcCormack, and Lee Reid, our dedicated swim teachers, for all their hard work in organising the event. Thanks also to the Arran Triathlon Club and Auchrannie’s swim teacher for helping prepare the children so well for race night.

“A big thank you goes to school staff from across all the primary schools for encouraging pupils to take part and for supporting supervision on the night - your involvement makes such a difference.

“And finally, a huge thank you to Auchrannie for their continued support of this event and for generously providing us with the use of the pool once again.”