East Preston school’s decade of swimming success

Fifteen pupils from the school, all aged between eight and 11. competed at the Littlehampton and District Swimming Gala in the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre, in June.

The competition saw them competing against five other primary school swimming teams from Rustington and Worthing in a variety of individual and team events during the day.

In the individual races alone, East Preston’s team took home a whopping 12 out of 15 gold medals.

In the relay races, the girls’ team devastated the competition winning by more than a length, with the boys coming a close second in their event.

Teacher John Galvin said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our school and all the children involved.

“This is the 10th time on the trot we have won the competition and we’re so proud of all the children.”

John said that the children played a pivotal role in the school’s success.

“They were the ones who organised the training and sent out all the letters,” he said,

“We don’t have a secret recipe for our success.

“The children really have the ownership of the gala and that makes them want to win even more.”

The team’s organiser, Alice Mantle, 11, said: “It was a tense atmosphere when we arrived but all the cheering and support from our parents and teachers really made us even more determined.”

Maddie Wright, 11, who also swam in the team, added: “We would just like to thank Mr Dale, Mrs Cook, Mr Galvin and Mrs Everett for all their support on the day.”