ALTON and District Swimming Club have held their annual novice gala.

The gala is a chance for the youngest swimmers, aged eight years old upwards, to experience the sounds, thrills and competition of an organised 25-metre racing event, albeit with an emphasis on the fun and friendly.

This year’s event saw the swimmers grouped into three teams, each of which included a number of Alton’s top squad of county, regional and national level swimmers, including the two club captains, Naomi Van Dongen and Dan Smith, which gave the novices an insight into the speed and ability which they can aspire to, all within the framework of the professional coaching in the club.

Coach Shaun Dominy was also on hand to motivate the teams and gave commentary during a display of an individual medley race by the high-speed top squad swimmers, cheered on by the novice swimmers. Despite the focus being on fun, the event gave the novices their first taste of race conditions for the 25-metre freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and individual medley racing – all the while being encouraged by Alton’s teaching team.

Alton and District Swimming Club runs a number of training sessions during the week and at weekends for all levels of competitive swimming and, with sessions being held in Alton, Petersfield and Bordon, can accommodate swimmers from across East Hampshire.

For more information contact Michelle Dominy by sending an e-mail to [email protected]