THE recent Myall Masters Swimming Club’s Annual Presentation Night was jammed packed with fun and friendship. 

Tea Gardens Hotel provided a scrumptious meal which befitted the special event of naming the award winners for the 2016/2017 season.

Excited anticipation filled the room waiting to hear who had placed in the 25 m Handicap event.

A rousing applause went up when Geoff Gessey was named winner.

Geoff’s daughter and sprint opponent Montanna, even cheered her dad’s achievement.

This is the second year Geoff has taken home the trophy for this event.

Hot on Geoff’s big heels were Terry Flynn who placed second, and equal third place getters Hugh Jones and John Coles.  John also took home the trophy for the Most Improved for the Handicap event.

This event gives swimmers the chance to hone their competitive skills while having fun.

One of the major awards for the season is The Encouragement Award.

This award is given to a club member who is committed to club training sessions, shows improvement in swimming fitness and technique as well as participation in general club activities and who displays perseverance and commitment.  These attributes were recognised in the recipient Lidia Izquierdo.

Coach Mal Motum presented a totally shocked and delighted Lidia with her award.

Lidia’s fellow club members showed their support for her being awarded this honour.

Lidia’s commitment is an inspiration to other members.

Life Member and Coach, Leon Bobako, stated the necessary criteria for the Club Member of the Year Award.

The award recognises an exemplary contribution and commitment to the Club.

The winner must display a positive and supportive influence towards members.

The announcing of Brad Jensen as the Myall Masters Swimming Club’s Member of the Year was met with spontaneous cheers and applause.

During this season Brad has introduced the use of a GoPro to training sessions to provide visual feedback on technique to swimmers.

Brad has also been studying to be a qualified Masters Swimming Coach and has published articles on how to improve swimming skills.

President, Chris Lock, thanked the dedicated committee and members for their commitment to the Club and highlighted the success the Myall Masters Swimming Club has achieved over the 2016/17 season.

 

By Rhonda BOBAKO