Last Saturday saw a celebration of the past year’s achievements at the annual Swindon Dolphin Presentation Evening. With the event fully sold out weeks in advance, it was set to be a night to remember as almost 300 guests packed into the Gurdwara Community Centre.
Following a buffet meal provided by Ganges Indian Restaurant, the presentations commenced with Swimming Development Officer, Steve Cryer, announcing the medallists from the recent Small Pool Novice Gala. There were also special awards for Amber Davies and James Watson who picked up Novice Gala Skills Awards and Ben Emmerson and Lucy Wright who were presented with trophies for being the most improved and consistent boy and girl from within Junior, Senior and National Squads. Rosie Mundy won the Novice Gala Skill Award for her impressive ability across all four strokes.
The honour of introducing the winners of Club Championship medallists fell to Chief Coach Andi Manley who also presented his progress awards to Matthew Rose and Elizabeth Beckett. In recognition of his achievements in his first year of competing at the National Age Group Finals, Liam Herbert was this years recipient of the Raynes Trophy for the most outstanding swimming performance, an award voted on by the Dolphin Coaches.
A new Citizenship Award, recognising swimmer’s efforts and achievements out of the pool attracted three nominations. Charlotte Gardo and Liam Tubb were both nominated for their unselfish approach to fundraising activities; always on hand to help at any such events whether or not they would ultimately benefit from the proceeds. The award however went to Rachel Moorhouse who, despite having to give up competitive swimming through injury continues to support the sport and the Club though her teaching and officiating.
The evening ended with swimmers, parents and coaches boogying the night away into the small hours to the sounds of Skywalkers Disco Roadshow.
Telltale Photography were on hand to photograph the presentations along with special guest, Olympian Adam Faulkner. Dolphin’s very own paparazzi Ady Jeffries also managed to capture more of the lighter party moments! Click here to view photographs from the event.
