Park Academy continued its battle with Great Arley for swimming supremacy, this time in the North West Regional Under-14 Panathlon Swimming Finals in Accrington.
Park Academy, edged out perennial challengers Great Arley by just four points after a thrilling tussle at Accrington Academy’s swimming centre.
The difference in the event came down to Park Academy winning the Treasure Hunt challenge and again sets up a season of rivalry between these 2 North swimming heavyweights.
Seven schools across the North West competed with 48 competitors involved from Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Pendle View of Lancashire also had a tremendous battle for third with Merseyside Champions, Merefield School of Halton with only 1 point separating them, with Pendle View finally securing third due to their last race placing in the ‘raft race.’
Stu Johnson Lead at Park Academy, said: “The Under-14s set an example in spirit and competitiveness, which this team mirrored today and bestowed a tradition for future pupils to train and aspire towards. It was also great to see all pupils across the teams support one another.”
Pendle View were also thrilled by the competition. Their PE Lead, Mark Clayton, said “Pendle View enjoyed the competition and meeting children from all the other schools. Today has been a wonderful experience for us and hopefully we will be able to attend Ponds Forge Finals if results go our way in other events. The pupils all enjoyed the variety of activities.”
Hosts Accrington Academy provided 14 young leaders for the competition, pictured here-
Lead Swim Teacher Kerry Glynn, who selected them, said: “They certainly performed today in their roles. Overall, what an enjoyable day for all involved. I’m lucky to be part of this magnificent event year on year at our pool.”
Thanks to St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Accrington Academy and the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Sports Partnership for all their support.
