PHOTO:
Pembroke & District, winners of BH Munt Shield

 
The NFU Mutual 4^th Pembrokeshire County Swimming Championships was the most successful yet under the control of Meet Director Phil Thomas and his wife Kirsty.
 
“This year saw the greatest number of entries from swimmers,” Phil said, “with over 400 competing between the ages of 7 and 17, which is a clear demonstration that the Pembrokeshire Aquatic Pathway is working’
 

Great work by Development Clubs

 
“The five Development Clubs in Pembrokeshire are key components for the aquatic pathway providing a route into competitive swimming for children in Pembrokeshire.  Progress from the Development Club leads to the youngsters swimming with the Pembrokeshire Performance Squad across the UK, including National Championships. 
 
“Many of those children swimming in the performance squad under coach Craig Nelson and his newly appointed assistant, Sam Jones, are progressing successfully to compete for Wales on an international stage.
 

Phil gives his thanks and coach Craig is delighted

 
Phil Thomas was quick to further highlight how these championships have fast grown into one of the largest children’s events in the County. 
“I’m indebted to the volunteers who coach these children on a regular basis in their club environment and to Carole Veale, the lead referee, for mustering up the support of those volunteers who are registered Swim Wales officials.  Without their drive and commitment it wouldn’t be possible for the children to have the opportunity to enjoy the fun to be had in a competitive environment”.
 
Craig Nelson, in his role as Head Coach, added:
“Multiple records were broken over the weekend but most importantly the majority of the children swam Personal bests.  These times count towards the ASA National Rankings as this is a licenced meet and it’s important these Championships become a regular event for the swimmers in our County.”
 

Great support from across the board

 
As always the support and generosity of many companies make the event the success that it is.  Kirsty Thomas, who co-ordinated the back office support, thanked NFU Mutual for being the principle sponsor and for sponsoring all the medals, alongside Glyn and Bert Edwards for sponsoring the printing and meet packs (a must for all parents who supported their children with gusto all weekend).  I’m also indebted to our other sponsors that contributed to the gala, namely Pembrokeshire Leisure, Green Bower, JT Motors, Gravells Motors, Laroc,  Frames Photography and  Fast Track Driving School.
 
The event ran smoothly thanks to the administration of the results from IT wizards Rob Williams and Richard Owen, whose efficiency allowed all present to be aware of the competition results.  Phil Thomas, with no bias as their chairman announced,
“Pembroke & District Swimming Club gained the highest club points and thus are worthy winners of the Bisley H Munt Shield” 
 

Phil sums up the success

 
This was duly presented to the successful Pembroke team by the Edwards family before Phil Thomas’s concluding remarks after a long and tiring weekend echoed around the Haverfordwest Leisure Centre through his beaming smile;
 
“There was success on all levels.  It’s important that everyone here this weekend enjoyed it and with the ultimate knowledge that any profit made from this gala is ploughed back into the Development Clubs to ensure the next generation of swimmers come through.”

PHOTO:
Swimmers, coaches and officials at the Fourth Pembrokeshire Championships
Photographs (Courtesy of www.framesphotography.co.uk: