THIS year?s Okehampton Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club?s annual presentation evening attracted more than 150 swimmers, families and friends to a buffet dinner and disco at Betty Cottles near Okehampton last Saturday. Last year the club decided to present some of its members? special awards to recognise its best achievers and most enthusiastic swimmers. Selection by teachers proved to be a difficult task as so many swimmers deserved recognition for their effort and achievements over the year. Judged to be the club?s ?Most Outstanding Swimmer? Matthew Westlake, 13, was awarded the now familiar ?Otter? trophy principally for his major achievements in the Devon County and Western Counties events. The winners of the ?most improved boy and girl swimmers? went to Matthew Webber, 12, and Emma Jackman, 11, whose determined efforts have seen major improvements in their personal performances last year. For the ?most enthusiastic boy and girl? ten-year-olds Sam Collett and Chloe Sanders took the shields. These swimmers were considered to be always available for galas, often stepping into events at the last minute to cover for another teammate. In training they were always enthusiastic participants. The Clubman Trophy awarded for commitment in the club and voted for by the committee was jointly awarded to Keith and Debbie Webber and Ali Kimber and Andy Kirby. The Emily Webster Shield was presented to John Radnor representing the victorious team in the first Inter club Gala held at the new pool at the Parklands Leisure Centre back in November. This event will be held annually in memory of the Okehampton swimmer, Emily Webster to which the trophy is dedicated. New club captains and vices John Radnor and Luke Wonnacott, Vicky Medlyn and Charlotte Rowe were introduced prior to awards being presented. Retiring chairperson Kevin Jones and vice chair Nick Bowles awarded the silverwear, medals and personalised certificates to the swimmers below and shields to Janek Jacknik and Vicky Medlyn the Open Champions. Boys 8 years and under: 1, Jonathan Aylen; 2, Ben Hurley; 3, Christopher Meardon, placed Marcus Hoddinott. Boys 9 years: 1, Robert O? Neil; 2, Martyn Allen; 3, Jack Cherrington, placed Harry Edwards. Boys 10 years: 1, Kieran Mitchell; 2, Sam Collett; 3, George Speak. Boys 11 years: 1, Tom Aylen; 2, Oliver Kirby. Boys 12 years: 1, Matthew Webber; 2, James Speak; 3, Matthew Harding, places Tom Gill, Jack Edwards. Boys 13 years: 1, Matthew Westlake; 2, Michael Aylen; 3, William Leech, placed Matthew O? Neil. Boys 14 years: 1, Edward Molyneux. Boys 15 years: 1, John Radnor; 2 Luke Wonnacott; 3 Joshua Speak. Boys 16 years: 1, Janek Jachnik. Men?s Masters 35-39 years: 1, Andy Rutley. Men?s Masters 40-44 years: Joint 1, Nick Bowles and Paul Hammett, 3, Keith Webber. Men?s Masters 45-49 years: 1, Rob Ewen. Girls 8 years and under: 1, Rachael Stocks, 2, Charlotte Hill. Girls 9 years: 1, Martha Bright; 2, Isabelle Ewen; 3, Sarah Thomas; places Emily Alexander, Daisy Peters. Girls 10 years: 1, Chloe Sanders; 2, Eloise Allen; 3, Abigail Stocks; places Eleanor Oakley, Sophie Friend. Girls 11 years: 1, Rebecca Vile; 2, Emma Jackman, 3; Lucy Dixon, places Kimberley Balsdon, Abigail Westlake, Alex Hurley, Clemency Tilley, Pippy Gill. Girls 12 years: 1, Charlotte Radnor; 2, Mia Fallon Clarke; 3, Claire Squire places Hannah Packer, Tanya Mitchell. Girls 13 years: 1, Charlotte Rowe; 2, Elona Wonnacott; 3, Amelia Allen, places Rebecca Ewen, Ellen Bright. Girls 14 years: 1, Kelly Holter. Girls 15 years: 1, Vicky Medlyn; 2, Rebecca Rowe. Girls 18 years: 1, Hayley Jones. Women?s Masters 35-39 years: 1, Sarah Packer. Women?s Masters 40-44 years: 1, Alison Kimber; 2, Fiona Aylen; 3, Linda Mitchell. Women?s Masters 45-49 years: 1, Jackie Jarvis. Anyone interested in joining the club should contact the membership secretaries on 01 409 221377 for juniors, 01 837 840663 for masters and 01 837 840283 for Life Saving enquiries.
