Swim Ulster Development Meet 3 held on 3rd March 2019 in Newry

It was a cold and sleeting morning when we arrived in Newry but upon entering this superb building the atmosphere was electric.  The Session Report stated 438 swimmers in the morning session and 684 in the afternoon.  A busy day head.

The Development meets are held four dates from September 2018 through to May 2019.  

All swimmers have completed the Swim Ulster Skills Test.

Age groups are Male and Female 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 years and 15 & over.

Events are:-

  • 50m butterfly
  • 100m Backstroke, 100m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle
  • 100m IM & 200m IM
  • 200m Freestyle

Awards:- Medals are awarded to the fastest 3 swimmers in each age group in event except 10yrs 100m IM and 11yrs 200IM where the emphasis in on skill assessment.  The coach of each club receives a report on these skill assessment.

The regional development meets are a stepping stone on the pathway to Regional Qualifying Meets and Regional Schools Championships.

Team Sliabh Beagh arrived and under the very capable Team Manager Claire Sheridan all swimmer were collected into one meeting point.  Following a team talk and all swimmers notified of their races, competition began. 16 morning swimmers and 22 afternoon swimmers.

Observing our swimmer there were some new to competition, a little nervous and the more seasoned swimmers took them under their wings.  Team Sliabh Beagh supported each and every swimmer and it is a wonderful sight to see this teamwork in action.

Technique and skill are at the heart of the Development Meets.  From the start to the underwater work, the stroke, the turn and of course the finish all fine-tuned from training. Therefore, it is vital you train PERFECT every time and give 100% in every training session.  The infringement sheets were flying at this meet but very few came to us in Sliabh Beagh.  Well done all swimmers and coaches, keep up the hard work.

All swimmers represented the club and their families to the best of their ability and the achievements on the day resulted in a haul of medals and PBs under stiff competition. To the parents on the day, congratulation for those who helped out, encouraged (roared) and swam every meter with the swimmers, Sliabh Beagh thanks you for you support.

 

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