Park Academy followed up their victory in the North England Under-14 Panathlon Swimming Finals in Sheffield last week by winning the third Lancashire Primary Panathlon Swim Gala on Monday.
Park Academy, fielding their next generation of swimmers with one eye on the future, edged out previous winners Pendle View by just five points after a thrilling tussle at Accrington Academy’s swimming centre.
The Blackpool school won five of the 10 activities to total 92 points, while Pendle View claimed three victories. The other winners amongst the 10 teams were newcomers Hillside and Kingsbury, who secured one victory apiece to finish third and fourth respectively on 74 points and 68.
Martin Mooney, the Family Co-Ordinator at Park Academy, said: “Following the success of our under-14s in the North England Finals in Sheffield, it has inspired the next generation of swimmers at the school to try and secure further success, which they have achieved today.
“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.”
Dave Rohman, School Games Organiser for Blackpool, added: “Congratulations to all of our young team becoming champions. They brought the next crop of swimmers at the school to gain experience and they performed beyond expectations. The event was a great success and it was fantastic to see so many talented young swimmers from across Lancashire taking part today.”
Runners-up 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 great experience for us and to push Park Academy so close was great. The pupils all enjoyed the variety of activities.”
Hosts Accrington Academy provided 12 young leaders (pictured above). Lead Swim Teacher Kerry Glynn, who selected them, said: “They certainly performed today in their roles. Overall, what a great day for all involved. I’m lucky to be part of this great event year on year at our pool.”
Thanks to St James’s Place, Accrington Academy and the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Sports Partnership for all their support.
Results:
1 Park Academy 92
2 Pendle View 87
3 Hillside 74
4 Kingsbury 68
5 Moor Hey 52
6 White Ash 47
7 Holly Grove 45
8 Mayfield 36
9 The Loyne 26
10 The Coppice 18
