On Saturday, the 23rd of November, Kingfisher transformed into a hub of athleticism and camaraderie as the University of Galway Swim Team hosted a thrilling college swimming competition. With teams from several colleges from all corners of the country eager to showcase their talents, the event was a true testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. Behind the scenes, an incredible amount of work went into organising this event, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Even with a few last-minute hiccups at the last moment!
The committee, led by the dynamic duo Aoife and Caohfillin, dedicated countless hours to bring this competition to life. Their careful planning encompassed everything from scheduling heats to securing a social event after the race to remember! When unpredictable challenges arose — like a last-minute change in heat timings and equipment malfunctions — their expertise shone through. They rallied the members of the University of Galway Swim Team, coordinated with the Kingfisher gym staff, and kept spirits high, proving that teamwork truly makes the dream work.
One of the event's highlights was the vibrant atmosphere on the pool deck. The music pumped through the speakers between races, inspiring spontaneous dance breaks that brought participants and spectators together, ensuring a few boogies. Friends and teammates showcased their best moves, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Unfortunately, there was no match from any other university this year for the reigning Swimming Invitational Dance Battle Champion, as he still reigns champion.
College stickers and temporary tattoos, organised by Aoife and Stuart, were a massive treat for all! And who could event the spooktacular post-race event organised by Eilis, Aoife and Caohfillin. It was a massive hit, with all swimmers dressing up for the event. All were in high spirits after a fantastic evening of racing and ready to celebrate!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kingfisher gym staff, whose support was instrumental in ensuring the venue was prepared and equipped for the event. Their expertise and assistance with setup, timing, and safety protocols contributed significantly to the day's success. Also, thanks to the sports unit for aiding in preparing this event and securing necessary insurance—your behind-the-scenes work did not go unnoticed! We wouldn't have been able to do it without you.
We are also incredibly grateful to all the colleges that participated. Your athletes brought their A-game, and it was a pleasure to witness such talent and determination in the pool. Each race was not just a competition but a celebration of the student's hard work and dedication to their sport. It was inspiring to watch the swimmers enthusiastically dive in and push themselves to new limits. It was their first gala, for some, but not their last!
Our swim coach, Sebastien Locteau, deserves special recognition for the event's success, whose guidance played a crucial role in preparing our athletes for this competition. Your tireless support and insights helped our swimmers perform their best and enjoy every racing moment. Sebastien also played a crucial role by starting each heat with a whistle start. We also want to thank our call room volunteers, timekeepers and turn judges. Without you, there would be no event!
As the invitational ended, it became clear that this competition was more than just some races. It ignited passions and created lasting memories. The smiles on the faces of participants and the cheers from the crowd mirrored the day's success. Thank you again to Aoife, Caoifhlinn, the Kingfisher gym staff, the sports unit, our coach, committee members, volunteers and all participating colleges for making this event a remarkable success. Here's to many more exciting competitions in the future!