The Bicester Area Primary Schools Swimming Gala took place on Wednesday 15 November at The Bicester Leisure Centre. There was a total of 115 children from 12 schools and 2 schools brought 2 teams. There was an equal spread of schools from The Cooper Cluster and the Bicester Cluster.
At the start teams were allowed to enter the water to do a warm up length before the competition. The events included individual competition in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle and then the team competition of the medley and freestyle relays.
The school Spirit of the Games value was ‘passion’ and each school was asked to select a swimmer from their squad who showed the value throughout the gala. Certificates were awarded to the schools at the end of the gala. I would like to say that there were so many children who showed passion, a very difficult decision for the teachers!
The boys’ competition was won by Chesterton, 2nd place was St Mary’s, 3rd was Langford Village, 4th Fritwell and 5th was Burepark
The girls’ competition there was joint winners - Langford Village and St Mary’s, 3rd was Chesterton, 4th Burepark and 5th Fritwell.
The sports leader from the Cooper School managed the stop watches and organised the schools around the pool at the start. The timings were delivered to the scores in a very professional manner. At the end of the competition the sports leaders handed out the certificates to the 1st and 2nd placed schools.
“All children enjoyed themselves, good sportsmanship” (Teacher)
“ More races” “Everyone was fair and said well done.” (Student comment)
“This is one of the best events I have been to. Well done to all the students” (Teacher)
“ Everything ran on time. Children really enjoyed event.” (Teacher)
“Everyone was nice and polite, great atmosphere.” (Student comment)
“We enjoyed the competition but most importantly we had fun.” (Student comment)