Thanet Swim Club hosted the John White Speedo Sprint Gala this weekend, at the newly reopened Hartsdown Leisure Centre swimming pool.
Eight clubs attended from across Kent, with over 200 swimmers aged from 9-18 years of age competing in over 70 races.
John White, one of the founders of Thanet Swim Club who was awarded a UK Coaching Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 for 43 years coaching swimming, was in attendance for his namesake gala, which is sponsored by Speedo.
The long-awaited gala comes after almost 18 months without a spectator pool following the collapse of the roof in February 2022 during Storm Eunice. Subsequent delays and a prolonged closure meant Thanet Swim Club were unable to host any of their hugely popular events, which also provide a vital source of revenue for the club which gives some 200 swimmers access to coaching, pool hire and travel to national and regional competitions.
Thanet Swim Club Head coach Jordan Honour said: “It is good to be back in our home pool, celebrating the amazing achievements of our swimmers who, despite significantly reduced pool time, have continued to work tirelessly to improve their swimming and achieve some incredible results.
“Thanks to our sponsors, Speedo, and the support given by our coaches, parents and volunteers, we have given the local and wide swim community a weekend to remember.”
For more information about how to join Thanet Swim Club, please contact Head Coach Jordan Honour [email protected]