Ilkley Swimming Club – Newsletter 68 (13/02/2012)

The date for the first Rising Stars gala for 2012 has been agreed for Sunday 18 March. It will take place at Shipley pool, starting at 5.15pm. 

Please see Rising Stars Galas for more details of the event and an entry form.  Just to highlight a few points: 

·          This event is designed around those taking part in their first few galas.

·          As such it’s really friendly and informal. Some swimmers have done a number of galas before – for many it is their first or second. It has a very supportive atmosphere.

·          Swimmers can enter as many events as they like –  often swimmers entering for the first time will enter into events for their best strokes only.

·          You don’t need to worry about dive starts and turns. Some swimmers do tumble turns or backstroke turns; some do no. Some dive in off the blocks, many dive in off the side, some don’t dive in at all and start in the water

·          Rising Stars is organised by Bradford Grassroots. Bradford Grassroots is made up of representatives of the swimming clubs within Bradford and its purpose is to encourage swimming at a grassroots level within the Bradford area. The gala is only open to local clubs and there are maximum times so that the faster, more experienced swimmers cannot take part.

·          Last time we had about 20 ISC swimmers taking part so there was a great atmosphere and there will be a coach and parent volunteer around at the event.

·          This time it is open to swimmers up to the age of 14 (it used to be 13).

 ISC does not require swimmers to take part in galas – if you want to come along and train and improve without competing that’s fine with us. What we want to do is give all members the opportunity to try out galas and see if they like them, and if they do want to compete to ensure that there are galas that they can take part in.

What I really want to emphasise is that if you ever want to try out a gala then this is the place to start. Don’t worry that you will not be good enough. Have a word with Jenna (one of the coaches) if you would like to know more.

We need entry forms back to Jenna or me (Debbie Jukes) ideally by Friday 2 March so we can process and send them on. Either give them to us at the pool or post to me at 59 Ben Rhydding Road, Ilkley, LS29 8RN

Many thanks
Debbie

07768 743276