Primary Schools’ Swimming Gala

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex was delighted to once again host the Lisburn & Castlereagh Primary Schools’ Swimming Gala on Friday 19th May – the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The long established event was held over two sessions and saw 320 children compete in P4 – P5 and P6 – P7 categories, making it a great return to 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 morning event, the P4 – P5 Fiona Bate Memorial Award for outstanding pupil of the year, was presented by Brendan Courtney, Head of Sport Services, to Edward Campbell of Riverdale PS, Lisburn.

In the afternoon, the P6 – P7 Fiona Bate Memorial Award for outstanding pupil of the year, was presented by Louise Moore, Director of Leisure and Community Services, to Nancy Craig of St Joseph’s PS, Lisburn.

The teams brought a positive competitive spirit and overall success went to Friends’ Prep School, who came first overall. Pond Park PS followed closely in second place, with St Joseph’s PS coming third.

Presenting the medals, Louise Moore, Director of Leisure and Community Services said, “It is fantastic to have this popular event return for the first time since 2019 and we are delighted with how many children entered to take part in this year’s Swimming Gala.

Swimming is one of the healthiest activities that children can take part in, and it’s great they have this opportunity to experience competitive swimming and be able to represent their school with a collectively positive team spirt. Everyone should be very proud of their achievements!

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