More than 400 youngsters compete in swimming festival

More than 440 young swimmers from clubs across Yorkshire competed in the annual Jorvik Spring Festival this year.

Hosted by the York-based Jorvik Swimming Club, the festival saw 37 officials help to oversee mentoring for all trainees.

The club also supported 11 young leaders – 14-16 year old swimmers from local clubs who were able to access their first poolside training opportunity.

Team Jorvik Galas run twice a year and provide an opportunity for pre-elite swimmers to compete at the same event where all swimmers have the chance to achieve medals in different age categories.

At the Jorvik Spring Festival on the 22 January, children aged nine took part in their first gala, alongside regional and masters swimmers in the Olympic sized pool at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds.

Steve Fenwick, committee chair of Team Jorvik, said: “All swimming clubs have had to work incredibly hard to withstand the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic, and as a small, family orientated club, we have faced a very challenging few years.

“Our experienced, dedicated coaching team and our voluntary, passionate committee, work tirelessly to support swimmers of all abilities and instil a genuine love of the sport within both our swimmers and swim families.

“It is the incredible team spirit that makes our club such a special community to be a part of and my heartfelt thanks go out to all of the swimmers and families who make Team Jorvik the unique, wonderful club that it is.”

With one gala under their belt this year already, Team Jorvik are already planning their second. The Viking Sprints which will take place in June.