Sharks celebrate winners

Welshpool Sharks Swimming Club has honoured one of its long-serving volunteers, Alison Wilding, at its Presentation Evening with the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award presented in recognition of her unstinting support to the Club.

Alison’s commitment to the Club extends over 15 years and she continues to help at the weekly coaching sessions.

Club Chair, Bronwen Poole, said: “The time and effort that Alison continues to give to our Club and the development of our swimmers is remarkable. Without the dedication and commitment of individuals like Alison, we simply couldn’t continue to run as many training sessions as we do and her continued enthusiasm is an inspiration to us all.

“The work of volunteers often goes unnoticed and taken for granted. This Award seeks to recognise individuals such as Alison who give up a large part of their lives, voluntarily to make things happen. Without Alison and a few others, the Club simply wouldn’t exist and our youngsters wouldn’t have the opportunity to swim competitively.”

During the evening, other awards were presented and amongst the winning swimmers for 2017 was James Edwards, 15, (Best Performance) for some great all round swims at the Club Gala but notably the 100m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 100m Individual Medley.

The Best Newcomer Award went to Summer Wygold, whilst Grace Jones, who’s developed a great deal since joining the Club, received the Most Improved Award.

The Club also recognised the commitment of its swimmers and this year’s Most Dedicated trophy went to Jamie Marsden-Jones for his dedication at training and commitment to competition.

The Swimmers’ Swimmer Awards, voted on by the swimmers themselves went to Medi Lewis and Teilo Gittins-Turner.

The age group winners from the Club Gala contested last autumn were Jessica Livermore and Henry Murton-Jones (9); Tanis Davies & Freddie Murton-Jones jointly with Teilo Gittins-Turner (10/11); Medi Lewis and Finlay Jones (12/13); Rebecca Edwards and Mitchel Hunt (14/15) and Ellen Jones and Billy Hunt (16+).

The evening finished with a buffet and disco. The Club extends its appreciation in particular to its Secretary Ann Jones for compering the evening and to Shirley Owen for arranging the presentations and awards.