Thanet Swim Club hosted the annual East Kent Primary School Gala on Sunday 7th June at Hartsdown Leisure Centre in Margate.

The event welcomed almost 200 young swimmers in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 from schools across East Kent for a day of exciting competition, teamwork and sporting achievement.

Thirteen primary schools attended the event, with Garlinge Primary School competing for the first time in over a decade and St Faith’s Preparatory School joining for the very first time.

Throughout the day, swimmers competed in a range of events, including the challenging 100M Individual Medley, alongside 25m races in all four strokes – freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. The programme also included a variety of team events with schools taking part in freestyle, medley and mixed relay races, creating an exciting atmosphere for swimmers and spectators alike.

The standard of swimming, commitment and hard work shown by swimmers was incredible. Students were enthusiastic and supportive, cheering each other on throughout!

The Wellesley Haddon Dene Year 3 & 4 team placed first in the morning, with Upton Junior School Year 5 & 6 placing first in the afternoon.

Thanet Swim Club thanked all participating schools, swimmers, teachers, volunteers and families whose support helped make the event such a success.

McDonalds was also thanked for sponsoring the event.

A club spokesperson said: “It was fantastic to see so many young swimmers from across East Kent coming together to compete and enjoy the sport.

!Events like the East Kent Primary School Gala play an important role in encouraging children to stay active, develop confidence and foster a lifelong love of swimming. Well done swimmers!”

The next East Kent Primary School Gala will be held on Sunday 6th June 2027.

If your child is nearing the end of their Learn to Swim journey and would like to join Thanet Swim Club, visit https://thanetsc.org/wishing-to-join/ to show your interest and arrange a free trial.