Local Primary Schools Make a Splash!

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex was delighted to welcome 24 schools from across the Council area to compete in the annual Lisburn & Castlereagh Primary Schools Swimming Gala on Friday 10th May.

The long established event was held over two sessions and saw over 400 children compete in P4 – P5 and P6 – P7 categories, making it one of the largest galas held in Northern Ireland. Swimming disciplines included backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle as well as the highly competitive relay races.

During the event, the P4 – P5 Special Achievement Award was presented to Joshua Green from Fair Hill Primary School while the P6 – P7 award was presented to Misha Hampshire from Good Shepherd Primary School.

The P4 – P5 freestyle relay was won by Friends’ Preparatory with Pond Park achieving a well-deserved 2nd place and Harmony Hill achieving 3rd place. In the afternoon session, St. Joseph’s Primary School picked up 1st place in the P6 freestyle relay with Wallace Preparatory securing 2nd place and Harmony Hill claiming 3rd place.

Friends’ Preparatory celebrated a double win in both the P6-P7 medley and the P7 free style relays. Harmony Hill achieved 2nd place in the medley event followed closely by Wallace Preparatory in 3rd while Downshire Primary School picked up a 2nd place in the free style relay with Harmony Hill claiming another medal with a 3rd place.

Success continued for Friends’ Preparatory after they secured first place in the overall schools event, taking home the prestigious champion’s title.  Second prize was closely contended by Harmony Hill with Downshire Primary School achieving 3rd place.

Presenting the medals, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Uel Mackin said, “It is encouraging to see so many children taking part in this year’s Swimming Gala. The gala offers children an opportunity to experience competitive swimming, while representing their school team and enjoying a positive team spirit. I hope you have all enjoyed taking part and in doing so encourage others to take up the sport either recreationally or competitively, as swimming is one of the healthiest activities that children can participate in. I know parents, teachers and swimming instructors are all very proud of your achievements.

“Finally I would like to thank the staff at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for organising such a successful event and maintaining the wonderful traditional of Primary School swimming in Lisburn & Castlereagh.”