News Junior and Academy Squad Report 5/10/2009 SEPTEMBER TIME TRIAL REPORT On Sunday 27th September city if Belfast held its first time trial of the season. 29 swimmers turned out to compete with some swimmers taking part in their very first competitive events. Some fantastic swims were seen from the very youngest swimmers in the academy squad to our older swimmers in the junior squad. Most swimmers took part in an event that they had never swum before and all completed every event they were ask to swim with the usual enthusiasm and excitement that defines our academy and junior squads. Some 75 personal bests were recorded on the day from 85 swims which is really incredible for the start of the season considering most swimmers have only been training for 4 weeks or less. I am very pleased with the progress so far and hope that it continues over the next weeks and months. Thank-you to the all the parents who helped out on the night with time keeping etc. Hopefully our next time trial on the 1st November will be just as successful. DS 2nd October SWIMMER OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER) This is our first full month back into training and the attendance at training sessions is very encouraging. Training has returned with full steam ahead. The results are already proving very positive with all swimmers producing personal bests already and this early in the season. For this season we have reintroduced the swimmer of the month award. This season we have received sponsorship from David Gotto Sports, the swimming club's new kit supplier. Each month one swimmer will be awarded the title of swimmer of the month and receive a £10 gift voucher for David Gotto Sports. Their picture and achievements will be placed on the club website. This is for all Academy and Junior squad swimmers. The award is based on three criteria, attendance, attitude in training and performance in any meets or galas that month. This month hasn’t seen too much competition and so attendance and attitude have been taken into serious consideration. Having only missed one session since pre season began, this swimmer is never late for training and always gives 100% in every session both on land and especially in the pool. This has also proved to be why in every competitive swim so far this season this person has produced personal bests including the biggest PB of the September time trial a massive 39 seconds off their 200m Breaststroke. SWIMMER OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER 2009 IS……………. CHRISTINA McDOWELL CITY OF BELFAST SWIMMERS PRODUCE THE GOODS AT MINOR SCHOOLS Eight swimmers from city of Belfast swimming club competed for their various schools at the recent Ulster minor school swimming championships. Along with many personal bests and finalists COBSC swimmer Ellen O’Neill placed 3rd in the 50m Breaststroke with a fantastic 2 second PB. Also in the medals were Hannah Beattie and Erin Blundell in the girls 4x50m medley relay gaining silver for Victoria Prep. Well done to all COBSC swimmers. DS 29th September