KEEN swimmers from Tavistock and Okehampton took part in an inaugural Imps gala held at Parklands Swimming Pool in Okehampton at the end of January.

Around 70 competitors aged eight to 12 took part, competing over 54 races. Tavistock Swimming Club won the event scoring 167 points followed by Okehampton Otters A 133 points,  Okehampton Otters  B 122 points and finally Crediton and District with 77 points.

This was the first time in recent years that the clubs held a competitive gala, and it proved a great success.

Rob Ewen, chairman of Okehampton Otters, said: 'We are really pleased Tavistock and Crediton agreed to compete, organising such an event takes considerable time and effort on behalf of the committed volunteers at all the clubs.

'It's plain to see the enjoyment the children get from such events and we tried to organise this event so a wide range of abilities could take part — we hope to host many similar events in the future.'

Okehampton Otters were recently awarded funding by the Okehampton United Charities for an electronic scoreboard and this has proved a great success for the swimmers and the parents viewing the race from the gallery.

The display of race times and positions help every one keep in touch as the event progresses. The display is connected to a computer and all the times are downloaded automatically and this saves considerable time entering and collating data and in time it's hoped the information can be uploaded directly to the club website.

Sheila Radgick, chairman of Tavistock Swimming Club, said: 'This has been an excellent gala for our juniors to attend and hopefully we can run more galas at Okehampton using the electronic timing.

'The good connection with local clubs is helping Tavistock Swimming Club achieve SWIM 21 Accreditation.'

Sheila said the club was also waiting to hear if it had been promoted to division 2 of the natonal area swimming league.

Okehampton club captains Izzy Ewen and Will Cooper, both aged 15, explained how important it was for the older club swimmers to support the younger ones at the gala.

Izzy said: 'The children really enjoy yelling out their encouragement during the races, at times its deafening!

'When it's their first race competitors can often be nervous and the support we can offer as club captains helps everyone overcome their initial fears.

Will said: 'Once they have swam in a few galas they yell encouragement like everyone else.

'Galas are great fun and help break the routine of the weekly practice and drill sessions and provide us with a chance to let our hair down whilst competing seriously for those few minutes in the race.'

David Rickwood, fundraiser from Okehampton Otters, said without the support of local charities like the Okehampton United Charities, along with businesses, sports organsiations and the financial commitment of the parents, it would not be possible to run local sports clubs.

He said: 'Their financial support is essential. A lot of clubs really struggle and we have been fortunate in Okehampton in recent years.  

'Regrettably, many of the proposed changes to be implemented under the austerity measures may well affect the club in future. At the moment we are looking for up to £3,000 of funding to support further training for a number of our coaches.'

Andy Rutley, gala co-ordinator for Okehampton, urged other clubs interested in competing to get in touch.

He said: 'We are interested in a number of different formats and we are going to experiment with organising an aquatholon event with the Mid Devon Pony Club.'   

 For more information about the clubs contact Sheila Radgick at Tavistock  on [email protected]">[email protected] David Rickwood at Okehampton on [email protected]">[email protected] and for Crediton http://www.creditonswimbclub.co.uk">www.creditonswimbclub.co.uk

l Several members of Tavistock Swimming Club will be competing in the forthcoming Devon championships. The Tavistock area primary schools gala will be held on March 31.