SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Coventry have been making waves at a major annual swimming gala which has made a welcome return.
The Coventry Catholic Sports Association Swimming Gala saw 216 children from 12 primary schools across Coventry, split into ‘East’ and ‘West’ divisions, compete against each other in individual and relay races.
The gala was held at the Pingles Leisure Centre, in Nuneaton, for the first time since 2020 and was watched by an audience of pupils, teachers and families who cheered on the swimmers from Years 4, 5 and 6.
The top eight scoring schools then went through to the grand finals, with Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, triumphing overall in first place, St John Vianney Catholic Primary School achieving second place, and Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, also part of the Academy, coming in third.
Sophie Newman, PE Lead at Sacred Heart, was the main organiser of the event and said it was a fantastic celebration of swimming.
She said: “Covid resulted in pools being closed for a long period of time, so it was a really lovely celebration of swimming.
“I’d like to say a big well done to all of the children that took part – they all did brilliantly well – and thank you to all of the staff for their hard work and the Pingles Leisure Centre for hosting the event.
“The whole day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Patrick Taggart, Director of Operations at the Romero Catholic Academy, added: “We are so pleased that our children are able to engage in such tremendous sporting events again after two years of lockdown.
“It is so important for our children to be able to access a rounded curriculum which offers something for everyone and allows us to develop every child to their full potential.”
