The South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Sports Association (SACPSSA) had 62 schools compete over five days in the Annual Swimming Carnival with 1018 competitors, competing in eight sections.
Sections 1 and 2 were held at Burnside Pool where the pool had been altered over the Christmas break from 7 lanes to 8 lanes. This resulted in an increased number of schools in the two sections. SA University Pool at Magill catered for Sections 3 – 7 where participants and spectators were blessed with good weather and excellent service by pool attendants.
Congratulations to Brendon Riley from Nazareth School who broke 4 records in the 4 events he competed in: Under 12 Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke and the Senior Butterfly. This was a truly an excellent effort on his part and will most likely be repeated next year when he competes as a Senior. Exciting times are ahead for Brendon.
Section 8 comprises the Tier 1 schools, Glengowrie, Glenelg, Warradale, Edwardstown, Seacombe Gardens, Brighton and Sheidow Park and the Carnival is held at Westminster Pool.
Five further records were broken but the highlight for Ric Trutwin, Carnival Coordinator, came via a teacher from St Martin de Porres, Sheidow Park. The teacher explained that one of her relay swimmers had broken a leg some time before the carnival so a replacement child stepped in. When St Martin’s won a place in the relay the replacement child gave her winner’s ribbon to the child with the broken leg! “This beautiful gesture was truly a heart warming deed of kindness and sportsmanship. My congratulations to her,” Ric said.
Some talk exists that swimming is waning in the State. Our results and competing numbers show this to be fictional talk.
Ric recognised the outstanding contribution of staff and parents
“My thanks to those outstanding parents and teachers who helped to make our carnivals the success they always are. The management at the three pool sites also need to be thanked for their help and outstanding service,” he said.
Dates for 2016 swimming carnivals:
14th March at Burnside - sections 1 and 2
15th March at Magill - sections 3 and 4
16th March at Magill - sections 5 and 6
17th March at Magill - section 7
21st March at Westminster - section 8
Reception students who join a 2024 mid-year intake at a Diocesan Catholic school will get free tuition in Terms 3 and 4.
