Dawlish News

On Saturday, Dawlish Leisure Centre was witness to a huge achievement, as TSW Juniors Octopush Team completed twenty-two miles of sponsored Octopush, equivalent to crossing The Channel, which is what they are due to do in April, to take on Europe’s best junior sides in Holland.  Forty-three swimmers contributed in the 8 hour 40 minute marathon relay in which the puck travelled every inch of the twenty-two miles (two pucks were worn out!) and the swimmers, in continuity, covered the whole distance on the bottom of the pool holding their breath every inch of the way.  There was a huge band of volunteers to facilitate the event, and Teignbridge allotted the team a lane of the pool for the duration.

Travelling to Holland does not come cheap; last year Dawlish took two teams and came away with the gold medal from Dordrecht.  They aim to compete again this year, but funds were expended.  Club Chairman, Phil Shute, said, “Today’s swim has raised a big chunk of the funding needed.  More than that: the kids have taken a pride in ownership of the event, earning the funds to travel.  I could not be more proud.  We do not think anyone has ever done this before.  Frankly, why should anyone have tried it before?  Not only has it raised funds, but it was a huge team building exercise.  There was a tremendous buzz, everyone got along famously, and the camaraderie was priceless.”

The youngest swimmers were Joel Davis and Leah Kelley at seven, and George Correy and Louis Atkins at eight.  There were no less than five members of the Atkins family swimming, four brothers and Coach Gerald, their father.  Oldest Swimmer was probably Sue Blanco-White who was cagey when asked if she was older than the chairman.  Some notable “Old Boys” turned-up to help the event along, and there was a glittering array of international players on show.  Mile times were remarkably consistent throughout the twenty-two miles, and a fine tribute to the players’ fitness levels.  The fastest mile was the eighteenth!

The coveted first stage was kicked-off by Niamh Tucker, and the delighted finisher was Neal Roberts.  Several swimmers were there throughout the entire epic, such as Aaron Lindsay, Isaac Horne, Charlie and Elliot Atkins, and many others gave many hours to the effort.  The benefits of the event should be felt throughout the coming season, and the players will be talking of their achievement for many years.