On Saturday 4th March the Marlins had 60 swimmers aged between 8 and 12 compete in the 2017 Puffin Trophy Gala, organised by East Grinstead Swimming Club (EGSC).
The Puffin Trophy Gala is a competitive team Gala run by EGSC and this year our home competition pool, the Triangle, was chosen as the venue. As the Gala is aimed at our younger swimmers, for some, it was their first time in a competitive team Gala with the electronic timing systems in use; they all coped so well.
After an evening of fantastic swimming and some very close battles, especially with EGSC, but Marlins A pulled clear and won the Puffin Trophy Gala.
The final results were:
1st Place: Mid Sussex Marlins A – 372 points
2nd Place: East Grinstead – 305 points
3rd Place: Edenbridge Piranhas – 212 points
4th Place: Mid Sussex Marlins B – 207 points
5th Place: Crawley Swim Club – 197 points
6th Place: Beacon Swim Club – 164 points
Can I say what a credit all the children were to our club. They all swam brilliantly, were polite and well mannered but most importantly they had lots of fun!
On behalf of all our swimmers and parents, I would like to thank Graeme Edwards and Michel Nehme for running the Electronic timing system. Suzy Parvin, Dianne Chalmers, Bethany Abrams and Isabel Valovin for helping the team poolside. Martin Parvin, Louise Gale, Mike Maguire, Donna Clarke, Dave Lashbrook and Sarah Valovin for officiating. Kerry for all her help in setting up the Gala and of course Nic Piper our lead age group coach. Thank you so much for giving up your valuable time to help.
Can I also just say, wow parents, you really did create a magnificent atmosphere for our swimmers to compete in. It was great to see so many of you come to support the Marlins.
Really well done team Marlins.
Until the next team Gala #Go Marlins
Dan Valovin
Team Manager