Youngsters lap up the chance to compete in new pool series

Months of hard work paid off when Perth City Swim Club hosted its first ever competitive event.

The Pentaqua Invitational recently took place at Perth Leisure Pool and, coupled with the home club, Kinross Otters, Dundee City, Stirling and Grangemouth all jumped into the water for a splashing time.

All of the four visiting teams had been quick to sign up and can now look forward to a further two series in May.

Perth organisers Andrew Bailey, Bruce Bannerman and Mark Cowling had been keen to offer an event that brought young swimmers together in a competitive and fun environment. And they succeeded.

“There has always been an aspiration for us to run our own swim meet,” Andrew told the PA.

“With Covid and losing the pool for 18 months, the focus had been on senior swimmers getting back to competition.

“We were really keen to offer something for the younger swimmers - nine years old and up.

“When we spoke to other clubs, it was clear there was nothing really around for that age bracket.

“We decided to go for it, spent six months planning and then every club signed up within 24 hours.

“There was massive interest and, in reality, we could have filled the spaces about four times over.”

When it comes to calling on the help of volunteers, Perth City can always count on dedicated members.

More than 50 volunteers joined forces - young and old - to ensure the inaugural Pentaqua operated smoothly.

Andrew explained:“There were over 500 races in three hours that needed to be coordinated.

“A number of our senior swimmers had volunteered to help throughout the day too. That was great to see.

“And we also had a huge chunk of support from Live Active at Perth Leisure Pool. They were absolutely superb.”

The scores on the doors at the end of action ensured there is much excitement for round two on Sunday, May 8.

Grangemouth are the early front runners with a total of 1047, followed by Perth City 994.5, Stirling 532, Dundee 467 and Kinross 457.5.

“At the end of the event there is a one-off relay,”Andrew added.

“The noise during that nearly brought a tear to the eye.

“This is what the kids had been wanting - and that is why you put in all the hard work.

“We now have lots of learnings that we will put into the next event.

“The teams have all got plenty to race for. There is not too much difference between the teams. It will be really exciting for the gold, silver and bronze positions come the end of May.”

Regardless of finishing position, a special and unique touch is that all competitors receive a medal.

Andrew explained:“Normally at a swim meet, if you don’t finish in the top three, you walk away with nothing.

“But we have introduced a competitor medal for everyone who takes part in the series. These actually build up into a picture of Perth over the three series.”

•Photos: Gary Thomson