PTL Squad defeat Alliance

Congratulations to all members of the PTL team who took part in the gala against Alliance on Saturday night and earned a well deserved win. The opening medley relay event is always a good indication of how strong both teams are and it was Portadown who came out on top taking six out of the 8 age group swims! Despite some fine individual swims from Alliance Portadown soon began to increase their points lead finishing ahead of their rivals in each of the individual stroke events. The final Freestyle relay event was again dominated by Portadown there were wins for the 'A' Girls and 'A' Boys; 'B' Girls, 'C' Girls and 'C' Boys. As always the relay events produced several tight finishes with Portadown coming from behind to win in both the 'B' and 'C' Girls races in the final few strokes while the 'D' Boys just lost out on the winning touch by a whisker. It was also a debut gala for several swimmers who were called in to replace established squad members who were unavailable, a big thanks to Chloe Walker and Emma Bramble for stepping up to the mark. Special mention must also go to all of those younger swimmers who had already taken part in the Arthur McDonald Gala in Newry earlier on in the day and to Ellie McArdle who was a very late replacement 'D' Girl swimmer. The final score was Alliance 538 - Portadown 606.

New 'Links' option added

A new 'Links' option is now available on the main home page. By clicking on this button on the homepage toolbar members will be taken to an index of a number of relevant swimming sites. At the moment there are links to 'Swim Ulster' and the BBC Sport 'Swimming' page which has advice on stroke technique and simple animated frames which help to illustrate various teaching points. There are tips on each stroke as well as 'starts' and tumble turns'. Why not click on the link and have a look for yourself? Other useful sites will be added throughout the season. If you have a suggestion please leave the web address at the PASC desk on a Wednesday night

Club Fund Raising

Our latest fund raiser 'Soccer Squares' has just 'kicked off'' club members who still have not received their card should pick up one at the club desk on Wednesday night. Activities like these are vital and provide some much needed funds for the Club. 'Soccer Squares' works on a scratch card principle with the winner pocketing a 'Fiver' and the balance going to PASC. All monies should be returned to the desk by Wednesday 25th November 2009 when the final whistle on the fund raiser will be blown.

November Gala Weekend

It's a busy weekend for a lot of our swimmers. The PTL squad travel to Belfast to face Alliance at Avoniel Leisure Centre - warm-up 5.30pm - bus to leave Cascades at 4.30pm, while our junior swimmers travel to Newry for the annual Arthur McDonald Gala - warm-up 8.50 am! This event is a great opportunity for younger members of the club to take part in a real competition but where the emphasis is in 'doing your best'! Those attending and taking part are advised to bring something for lunch as well as drinks and of course a 'wee snack.' Newry and Mourne who host the event have asked that swimmers bring suitable poolside footwear eg flip-flops or similar. As a result of these galas regular swimming sessions for the weekend have been cancelled! All back to normal next week.