AWARDS for outstanding performances in the pool saw Sawtell Swimming Club members cheering on their teammates at the annual Club Championships on Saturday 26 March at the Sawtell Swimming Pool.

These Championships were potentially the last to be held at Sawtell Pool before it closes for the proposed rebuild at the end of the season, late April 2022.

“The Club Championships allow every member to compete for Age Champion and overall Junior and Senior Champion,” Kim Roach, President/Head Coach at Sawtell Swimming Club told News Of The Area.

“Point Score Champions are recognised along with the club’s ‘Bird Stollery’ award – this is presented to the person who has stepped up their training, personal bests and achieved well at our Sawtell Explosion Carnival; and the ‘Maddy Gough’ award, celebrating the swimmer who has earned the highest number of points through the Club Pathway at Championship meets.

“The swimmers were awarded with many medals, a BBQ, a lolly treasure hunt and a gift from Rebel Sport thanks to their Community Sport Scheme.

“We also had two special guests return to where it all started for them at Sawtell Swimming Club; Maddy Gough, our very own Olympian for the 1500m and Luke Mallia, our national breaststroker.

“These two legends gave the Sawtell Swimmers lots of advice throughout the day and answered many a question that was asked and were happy to have photos taken with our club swimmers.”

On the day Maddy and Luke were also able to reunite with their old swim coaches Tim Raven and Eugene Brogmus.

The Sawtell Swimming Club Swim season runs from October through until March held on Wednesday nights.

“With the closing of the Sawtell Swimming Pool, we as a Club are hoping to move into the Coffs Harbour Swimming Pool for next season,” said Kim.

 

By Andrea FERRARI