Felixstowe Waves hosted their first ever open gala on 10th September 2017. Four other clubs joined us on what proved to be a very memorable day. We would like to thank Hadleigh, Stanway, Ipswich and Stowmarket swimming clubs for making the event so special and so enjoyable.
We had some 54 swimmers from Felixstowe competing across 9 events which comprised all the 50m and 100m disciplines. There was some fantastic races and some incredibly close finishes. Overall 31 of our swimmers gained medals and between them they achieved a staggering 117 medals comprising 50 gold, 34 silver and 33 bronze. Bearing in mind this gala was early in the season it shows just how well they have been training and how committed they are to that training. None of that would be possible with our team of coaches led by David so a big thank you to all of them.
Among those who won medals were the following: Henry Bennett, Natalie Tyler, Beth Crawley, Iona Tait, Charlotte Albins, Owen Welsford, Owen Young, Beth Young, Lewis Meadows, Sarah Bennett, Eloise Albins, Mia Wright, Henry Todd, Jess Keeble, Isaac Williams, Frankie Tyler, Meg Watts, Caitlyn White, Fin Cook, Charlie Phillips, Callum Welsford, Mia Yates, Charlie Smith, Sam Davies, Phillipa Unthank, Emma Felgate, Rebecca Archer, Stuart Evans, Thomas Boyt, Faye Hermon and Tim Davies.
Of course, the performance in the pool is only a part of the story. Running an event of this nature takes a huge amount of effort from all involved and we must pay tribute to all of the committee, parents , friends and officials who gave their time to help us. There are too many people to mention by name but special thanks should go to Jane and Louise who probably did the lions share.
Having ran one gala, we are hungry to repeat the event so maybe this will become an annual fixture!