Orion took a team of swimmers to Nuneaton for a Junior Gala, starting the 2015/2016.
The gala was hosted by Nuneaton and Bedworth, who were using the gala as preparation for their Junior league final next weekend, (where they are currently ranked 4th in the West Midland league).
Daventry Dolphins and Kingsbury were the other two swimming clubs.
With such a large group of junior swimmers at Orion, I decided to use this as an opportunity for race development for this new season, where all swimmers got an individual race. The children were briefed that they were effectively swimming up an age group, looking to build for the 2016's Junior league team. With competition being tough, the swimmer's focus to be on their own personal improvement rather than winning. As a coach, this gives me valuable feedback on what the squad and individuals need to work on over the next few cycles of training. We came fourth overall, albeit with a few disqualifications and shortages in older boys. Galas like these are great practise before entering open meets with JD squad goals of meeting the standard to swim at Warwickshire county championships. (Unfortunately, times from gala's do not officially county to support entrance to county championships, highlighting the need to enter club champs and open meets!)
After a couple weeks off for recovery from the 2014/2015 season, I was really impressed with the level of skills that has been embedded without training for this gala. Credit goes to 1st place winners; Karnell showing his form in 50m Breastroke, the girls 9yr's medley relay team (whom are all 8!) and Laila Johngir for her 25m backstroke, where after a slip at the start, didn't deter her from showing off her 10m underwater dolphin skill, catching up and winning the race! Well done to all swimmers who raced and produced personal bests for time, and personal improvements on technique.
Congratulation to Freddie Allen, Alexander Forty, William Viney, Poppy Couzens, Neave Rees, Laila Johngir, Azeeza Firdaus and Hannah Dunn for earning their first Orion Team swims, of what I'm sure will be the first of many gala selections.
A big thank you to all parents that assisted on poolside team managing and timekeeping, and non-racing Orion members Imogen, Amrit and Pavan. Having a large team of friendly faces really does help with the swimmers nerves, especially for newer racers.
Thank you to all adults that ensured their children could race, either through sharing lifts or supporting the team.
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