Club to fight Council decision!

Club officials, coaches and members were shocked and dismayed to learn of the proposed hike in pool hire fees by Craigavon Borough Council. The extent of the increase would, if confirmed, threaten the very existence of PASC and our colleagues in Lurgan. Such an action shows little appreciation for the work carried out by so many unpaid volunteers from all sections of the community over the last 30+ years and an insult to those who kept the club alive when faced with multiple pool closures over a two year period! Is this treatment a just reward for their efforts under extremely difficult circumstances? We deserve better! Furthermore, we as a club already make a substantial contribution to the local Council via pool hire fees and it is most unlikely that the loss of revenue from PASC would be offset by additional 'public' swimming. Finance however is only part of the issue; what about the young people themselves? We may not be the largest club but at least we know where our priorities lie and to that end we would urge the Council to rethink their decision. We would also ask our own membership to write, phone or email local Council representatives to lobby them on this matter. The very survival of the Club is at stake! Click on 'Comment' for contact details Craigavon Borough Council.

Teletots celebrate narrow win against Dungannon.

For much of this gala there was little to separate these two teams and the final score of 193 to 207 in Portadown's favour was an indication of how close it was. Dungannon made the better start with particularly strong performances in the team relay events but several of our individual swimmers including some making their Teletot debuts gradually turned things around. Thanks to all who officiated or just came along to cheer us on. The fixture marks the end of our league programme for this season, details about the 'Swim-Off' finals will be given as soon as possible, in the meantime swimming sessions continue as usual. Check earlier post for changes to swimming schedule for May and June.

PASC Prize Night Thursday 19th June 2008

Prize Night this year will take place on Thursday 19th June, 7 - 9pm at Portadown Golf Club which is located a mile or so out of town on the Gilford road. The entrance is on the right hand side almost directly opposite Long Lane. This is a change of venue from our usual spot at the rugby club. We look forward to seeing all of our swimmers and their parents on the night as it is an important event in the club calendar. Please check at the desk on Wednesday night if you are unsure how to get to the golf club.

'Sinbad' Water Theatre Workshop

As many of you may already know a water based performance of 'Sinbad' is taking place in Cascades early next month. The company responsible for the show are offering 20 of our swimmers the opportunity to take part in a 'workshop' after the 7pm performance on Wednesday 11th June. If you are interested in taking part please leave your name at the desk next week and the lucky swimmers (boys and girls) will be notified in due course. Please note that 9 is the minimum age for participation.

Saturday 10th May Portadown V Dungannon

Squad members are reminded that the coach for this 'Teletot' gala will leave from Cascades at 5 o'clock on Saturday 10th May. Due to the closure of Dungannon pool this event will take place in Cookstown. This will be our second trip to Cookstown this season and let's hope we can come away with the same result.

Club medal haul at PTL 'End of Season' gala

Congratulations to all 18 club swimmers who took part in the end of season gala held in the Grove on Saturday 19th April. As well as a host of new PB's we also returned with several individual medals: 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 6 Bronze. Daniel Chambers took first place in 'B' Boys Backcrawl and 4x25 IM, while Eden Magwood did the same for the 'A' Girls in Backstroke and Butterfly. Silver medals went to Caitlin Wylie in the 'A' Girls Breastroke and Daniel Chambers in the 'B' Boys Butterfly. Bronze medalists were Colum Tiffany, 'D' Boys Backcrawl, Eve Lavery 'B' girls Breastroke, Lisa Partridge 'D' Girls Breastroke, Mary McCann 'C' Girls Butterfly, Lachlin Mackey 'A' Boys Butterfly and Eden Magwood 'A' Girls 4x25 IM. Those who narrowly missed out included; Roisin and Cathal Meredith, Dean and Mia Gershovitz, brothers Lee and Neil McConville, Chloe Black, Jonathan Hilliard and Patrick McCann.