Since its inception six years ago, the South Suffolk Panathlon Swim title has been Priory School from Bury St Edmunds sole domain’ and on 8 Feb 2017, it was again.
The win sees them as the first qualifier for the Panathlon swimming Final at the Aquatic Centre in the Olympic Park this July, giving them a chance to defend their South England title win in 2016 and have a chance to try and make it three in a row.
The South Suffolk champions will compete at Panathlon’s South of England Swim Finals at the iconic Aquatic Centre, venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, having seen off competition from five other schools at the Ipswich gala.
54 students from 8 schools took to the water for a fantastic day of swimming action at Ipswich’s Crown Pools, which featured two competitions – the Panathlon Swim Challenge and the Discovery Swim Challenge – combining individual races and team events for swimmers of all abilities.
The team of eight students from Priory School won the Panathlon competition in style having come out on top in all 11 activities on competition day.
Stone Lodge Academy put in a great effort securing all 2nd placings in the competition, thus gaining overall 2nd place.
In the Discovery section, East Bergholt secured victory with 44 points, with Northgate securing second from Copleston on countback.
Jane Chave, PE teacher at Priory School. “We had a pretty new team this year, so were unsure how we would go, so they really have been fantastic. It’s off to the Olympic pool again and another chance to compete at a great venue, an experience the kids will embrace”
Results
Panathlon
1. Priory 55 points
2. Stone Lodge Academy 39 points
3. Thomas Wolsey 26 points
4. The Bridge -20 points
Discovery
1. East Bergholt 44 points
2. Northgate 34 points ( 3 first places won on countback)
3. Copleston 34
4. Felixstowe 22
9 leaders from Copleston helped officiate alongside support from Suffolk Norse Swimming, Ben Wallis of Copleston High and Team Ipswich Swim Club.
The Emma Holloway Foundation again provided funding for medals, swim caps, trophies and towels. Panathlon thanks the Emma Holloway Foundation for their continued support.
