Braid swimmers perform with distinction in Lisburn

BALLYMENA Swimming Club had a total of seven swimmers qualified to represent the club at the recent Age Group Championships in Lisburn.

This is an incredible achievement for the club and the individual children who took part, much praise must be given to these children who were great ambassadors for the club – Cai Armstrong, Suzannah Brown, Roisin Ferris, Ryan Lewis, Katie Morrow, Oonagh O’Neill and Rachel Reid.

All swimmers performed well and although Oonagh was the only one to bring home an individual medal, many outstanding times were recorded and the achievement of the Girls freestyle relay to make the Ulster final and finish 6th out of 8 was probably the most exciting and satisfying event of the weekend.

These four girls swam out of their skins in the final – achieving PB’s individually for each of the legs and with all four younger than those teams placed above them and still able to compete in this event next year things look very promising.

Meanwhile, Ballymena entertained Dungannon Teletots on May 8, with the local side peaking to perfection with a comprehensive 88 point win.

The team achieved a total of 68 PBs on the night with an even split between the boys and girls and over the 4 age groups. Special mention must go to Amy Barr (A group), Niall Lawrence (B group) and Robbie Anderson (D Group) who all achieved 4 PBs on the night.

Ballymena are sitting very comfortably in the league table with 3 wins out of 4 and a guaranteed place in the end of year swim off.

Ballymena Swimming Club work tirelessly year after year not only in providing the town with a competitive team but also teaching hundreds of children to swim and be safe in the water – a very valuable asset to our town.

It takes not only a huge commitment from the club but we rely on fundraising to keep the costs to a minimum and would appreciate support from the public this Saturday, May 29, when many of our swimmers will be bag packing in Sainsbury’s Supermarket.