WELLS Swimming Club hosted their annual City of Wells Open Swim Meet at Millfield pool over the weekend of June 15 and 16.
More than 400 participants from 22 clubs competed in a host of heats which saw an extensive number of Personal Best times for many and some superb medal-winning performances.
Inspired by a recent talk by Matt Richards (Millfield Olympian) at their recent Club Championships Awards Evening, the Wells team won more than 60 medals: one of their most impressive hauls to date.
Among Matt’s many words of wisdom were three simple top tips: work hard; listen to your coaches; make sure you’re having fun.
The swimmers took his words to heart and performed not just as individuals, but as a team, showing that hard work and fun can be had at the same time.
The event would not have happened without the assistance of the many volunteers who helped run the weekend and a sponsorship donation from Glastonbury’s Cox Renovations Ltd.
Lee Chard, the Club Chair, thanked everyone, saying: “The whole event was a huge success and all weekend I witnessed great swimming, great teamwork and a great community spirit.
“Congratulations to all the swimmers. We saw many PBs across the weekend as well as many county qualifications too.
“On behalf of the club and the swimmers I want to say thank you so much to all the volunteers who made it possible.
“Not only does this event put Wells on the map and show everyone that we are a force to be reckoned with, it is also vital for fundraising which helps keep our fees stay as accessible as possible.”
Wells Swimming Club volunteers include parents, children with expertise from the regional squad, experienced adults from the masters squad as well as coaches India Cooper, Miles Denyer, Sarah Purdie and Antony Rackstraw.
The club swims at a range of pools including Wells Leisure Centre, Millfield and Wells Cathedral School. There is a closely monitored progression from the younger pre-squad teams all the way through to County, Regional and Masters squads.
The club takes part in a wide variety of swim meets and galas throughout the year, but is also open to members who just want to improve their swimming and not compete. There is more information on the Wells Swimming Club website.