Okehampton Otters travelled to Sidmouth for an Imps Gala for swimmers aged 11 and under hosted by Sid Vale Sharks Swimming Club. The competition was fierce between Kingsbridge Kingfishers, Sid Vale Sharks, Exmouth Swans and Okehampton Otters and at the end of the evening there were just two points between second to fourth place, though Kingsbridge's depth of swimmers shone through as they swam to first place. Third place does not reflect the quality of effort of the Otters swimmers who took part. For the 12 Otters who swam in their first gala: Molly Petherbridge, Isobel Higgs, Meg Higgs, Lucy Creamer, Jessie James, Taeli Baker, Hazel Jeenes, Holly Chadney, George Morgan, Jaime Mallet, Adam Stanton and Marcus Hoddinott, this was a great start and all of the coaches commented on their performances – both individually and when they swam in their relay events. All the Otters swimmers swam brilliantly, being enthusiastic and supportive of each other – well cheered on by the parents — and a great start to the year's competitions. First places went to Molly Petherbridge in 50m backstroke, James Alexander in 50m breaststroke, Chloe Rutley in 25m fly and Tallan Burns 50m freestyle. The boys' medley relay team of Adam Stanton, Tallan Burns, Fallon Clarke, Finn and George Morgan came first and the girls' 9yr medley, 10yr medley relay, 10yr freestyle relay and boys' 9yr freestyle relay put in very respectable second place races. Most of the teams swam together for the first time on the night and many personal best times werea achieved. Many club swimmers will remember former Otter Emily Webster who unfortunately died in the Paddington rail disaster - each year the club remembers Emily by holding an inter club gala where money is raised to be donated to Devon Air Ambulance in her memory. This year's event is to be held on the March 29. Anyone wanting to see the club swimming on a 'friendly' basis is welcome to come along and watch. The club meet for training sessions on Sunday evenings between 5pm-6pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7pm-9pm, and lifesaving on Fridays 6pm - 7pm. Anyone interested in swimming with the club, (juniors need ASA level seven and above) (seniors – competent swimmers), contact membership secretary, Miriam Fallon on 01409 221377. If you are interested in assisting the coaches poolside or would like information about teaching swimming please contact the secretary, Caroline Stocks, on 01647 24631 or pop along on a training night and see one of the teachers.
