Carnegie Leisure Centre Reopening Gala - Saturday 25 February 2012

The official opening of the refurbished Carnegie Leisure Centre took place over the weekend of 24, 25 and 26 February 2012. As part of the official launch, Fife Council and Fife sport and leisure trust asked the local clubs (Carnegie and Dunfermline Amateurs) to run a gala which would take place on the 25th. The competition included novice & masters’ events with the main core being a team competition – with each team comprising of 4 swimmers, 2 male and 2 female spread across two age groups. The idea was that each swimmer would compete in all 4 strokes, plus IM. This gala was on an invitation only basis and involved clubs from Kinross, Warrender, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kelso, Step Rock, Carnegie, Cupar, Dundee City, Durham, Carlisle and even Dunfermline’s Twin Town Wilhelmshaven.

From Carlisle Aquatics, 4 swimmers travelled up – Dan Tait (12-13 year boys category), Sophie Dodd (12-13 year girls category), Zara McKnight (14-17 year girls category) and Andrew Mullins (14-17 year boys category). All four swimmers achieved personal best times on some of their races, and showed great team spirit in supporting each other. Both Zara and Andrew were swimming up their usual age category and we were all extremely proud of their swims. The swimmers had a really good time, and enjoyed the experience. A prize was awarded to best swim for each female and male in the above age categories, and Sophie won a kindle for her determination on her Individual Medley, by pulling the race back from her fly to finishing first in the heat. The best team cup was awarded to our 4 swimmers, and we have been invited back to retain our title.

A warm welcome was extended to our swimmers, poolside helpers and swimmers parents. Each swimmer was awarded a memento for attending the gala which was hosted by Councillor Joe Rosiejak. After the gala, a buffet was provided for all followed by a presentation.

All in all it was a good day had by all, and many thanks to Carnegie & Dunfermline for their hospitality and friendship.