What a fantastic night we all had at Pond’s Forge on Thursday evening at the Annual Primary Schools Swimming Relay Event!
A total of 14 children from St Wilfrids competed against 9 other schools in 10 different swimming relays, covering the full range of swimming strokes. Y3 , Y4, Y5, and Y6 boys and girls all combined in various relays . The first five races were freestyle and the children really gave it their all in each and every race.Races 6 to 10 were a combination of backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.
Down at poolside the temperature must have been close to 80 degrees and the children made sure they kept fully hydrated with plenty of isotonic sports drinks!
For some of the children this was their first taste of competing for St Wilfrids in an event.
Orla,Olivia,Amelie ,Georgia, Max,Adam and Will for the Y5/6s, Scarlett,Tatiana,Aine Charlotte,Will,Louis and Oscar for Y3/4s Not one of them showed any nerves and performed like veterans!
After the first 5 freestyle races we were just a couple of points ahead of Hallam Primary. The medley races followed and some strong performances by all the children meant ,although we were now a point behind Hallam we were still in with a shout of winning the cup.
The penultimate race saw the Y3/4 and Y5/6 boys needing to win to stay in contention. In a nail biting race where the lead changed twice st Wilfrids just edged it!
It was announced that the points were now all square going into the final 8 lap medley relay.
After the first leg we found ourselves trailing in seventh place. However , showing lots of grit and determination the children drew level with only the final leg remaining. In a neck and neck race to the line Max powered clear and just touched the side first!
The parents cheered wildly as the children stepped up to receive the silver trophy and gold medals and were met by generous applause from all the other participants.
All in all a fun night in a really friendly atmosphere with lots of goodwill between all the schools.
Many thanks to the parents who came to support the children on the night. Particular thanks to Mrs Barnes who was an official timer and Mrs Downes and Mrs Batey for helping direct the children to the relevant lanes.
