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SWIMMING TEAM BID FAREWELL TO WINNING PAIR

A LOCAL swimming club has said a fond farewell to the two most successful competitors in its history.

Matthew Garrity and Aimee Watson have bowed out from Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club (IASC) in style.

The 18-year-old duo were a key part of the club’s success in a string of wins this year.

Despite setbacks caused by the pandemic and issues with training facilities at Greenock’s Waterfront pool the duo and club colleagues have put the club on the map.

The pair and Lewis Gray, 16, headed to a British championship in Sheffield after qualifying by ranking in the elite for their age group and category in the UK.

Lewis took part in the 100m butterfly race, while Matthew and Aimee competed in several breaststroke races and distances.

Both Aimee and Matthew have now left the club after 10 years, having moved away to go to university.

Head coach Shirley Reford says the dedicated duo will be missed.

She said: “Aimee and Matthew have done amazing things over the past 10 years and the British championships was their last meet with us.

“I have coached them both since the age of eight and 10, and I am so proud of them.

“They are the most successful IASC swimmers in the club’s history. “

Aimee and Matthew say they are thankful for the opportunities and training they had throughout their time at the club.

Matthew said: “We’d like to say thank-you to the coaches and parents that have supported us and helped us get to where we are.”

Aimee says the UK championships were the perfect way to sign off.

She said: “It was such a good experience to take part in, but also a learning one.

“It’s now about working on getting even better for future competitions.”

Over the course of the year Lewis, Aimee, and Matthew - as well as clubmate Archie McArthur - bagged no fewer than 17 medals at the Scottish National Age Group Championships, and the club’s under-12 team clinched the Clyde Coast Mini League for the first time in 39 years.

Claire McArthur, president of IASC, praised the talented trio who made it to the British championships and all their clubmates.

She said: “The club is extremely proud of all three swimmers.

“Qualifying for the meet was an achievement in itself.

“All three of them trained hard despite setbacks and poor training facilities.

“Due to issues with the training pool floor, our swimmers have been unable to dive on a regular basis for approximately four years. Despite these issues the swimmers are still managing to put Inverclyde ASC on the map.

“Matthew and Aimee both qualified for a similar meet last year. Due to Covid and lack of training they made the very mature decision not to attend, but this was Lewis’ first time qualifying for the British championship and he thoroughly enjoyed his experience.”

*More information about IASC is available on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ InverclydeASC