Members of the South Ayrshire Swim Team were an outstanding success at the recent Scottish Schools National Finals event that was held at Tollcross Leisure Centre in Glasgow, with fourteen of their swimmers qualifying for the event.

Team member Craig Corson, who attends Ayr Grammar Primary School, won a gold medal, which is the first national title won by the South Ayrshire Swim Team since its inception in 2001.

Nine members of the team reached the finals in their chosen stroke, and a total of four swimmers won medals.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andrew Hill, met some of the South Ayrshire Swim Team members at the Citadel and said: “It is heartening to know that so many young people in South Ayrshire are keen to take part in competitive swimming.

“Members of the South Ayrshire Swim Team performed at an exceptionally high level at the Scottish Schools National Finals, and I am astounded at their achievements. I sincerely hope that the South Ayrshire Swim Team will have continued success in future competitions.

“The swimmers families give them tremendous support, taking them to and from training sessions and to competitions, and should be very proud of what their children have achieved.

“Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and hopefully these young people will be active swimmers for the rest of their lives.”

The South Ayrshire Swim Team, which aims to actively promote competitive swimming, was established in 2001 following a partnership of some of the original swim teams in South Ayrshire, South Ayrshire Council and Scottish Swimming.

Since 2001 Club members have had over 13,000 competitive swims, almost 8,000 personal best times and won over 800 medals. The swimmers compete at all levels from the mini league for young swimmers up to National Championships.

Training sessions are held in South Ayrshire Council’s swimming pools at the Citadel in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon and Maybole. The Club is working in partnership with South Ayrshire Council’s Sports Development Team to improve its structure, particularly at the development squad level, and operates 55 training sessions per week and has 20 different squads.

Anyone who would like further information about the South Ayrshire Swim Team should contact Robert Hammond, Swimming Development Officer on telephone number 01292 475254.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill met with South Ayrshire Swim Team members and Officers involved with the swimming squad at the Citadel in Ayr.

To follow is a list of results of the South Ayrshire Swim Team members at the Scottish Schools National Final swimming competition:

Other Qualifiers:

February 2005