Two recent swimming galas have highlighted the strength of Dundee’s pathways for young swimmers, offering opportunities to build confidence, gain first race experience and progress within the sport.
The first Active Dundee Learn to Swim Gala took place on Saturday 13 June at St Paul’s Swim & Sport Centre, with 40 swimmers aged 8 to 16 taking part in a day of fun, achievement and friendly competition.
The event gave participants the chance to showcase skills developed through lessons while experiencing a gala environment for the first time.
Personal bests and standout performances
The programme featured five events:
- 50m front crawl
- 50m backcrawl
- 50m breaststroke
- 25m butterfly
- 100m individual medley
Swimmers entered a mix of races, with 50m front crawl proving the most popular.
For many, this was their first opportunity to race against others, and the occasion brought out strong performances across the board. Several swimmers recorded new personal bests, reflecting the progress made during lessons.
A standout moment came in the Boys Under 12 category, where one swimmer competed in all five events, winning three gold medals and two silver medals.
Throughout the day, swimmers showed enthusiasm and determination, both in competition and in their support for one another. The format encouraged participants to challenge themselves, build confidence and take the next step in their swimming journey.
Volunteers supporting success
Three volunteers, all involved in the Learn to Swim programme, played an important role in delivering the event.
Supporting timekeeping duties, they demonstrated focus, responsibility and teamwork, helping to ensure the gala ran smoothly and fairly. Their contribution highlights the strength of the volunteer pathway within Active Dundee.
Supporting inclusive pathways in the pool
In June, Dundee City Disability Sport in partnership with Active Dundee held their annual Beginners Swim Gala, welcoming 53 pupils from across Tayside to take part in a fun and supportive environment.
The event provides young people with a disability the opportunity to experience swimming safely and confidently, while beginning their journey within a structured pathway.
Swimmers take part in supported breadth events, often with teachers or coaches in the water alongside them, before progressing to swimming a full 25 metre length independently.
The gala plays an important role in building confidence and encouraging continued participation, with many swimmers going on to further opportunities, including the Tayside Schools Championships.
As always, pupils, families and school staff enjoyed a positive and rewarding experience, with the team looking forward to supporting their continued development in the water.
A collective effort
Thanks go to all swimmers who took part in both events, parents and carers for their support, volunteers who gave their time and staff who planned and delivered the event.
Together, they created a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
The team now look forward to building on this success and providing more opportunities for swimmers to compete, develop and progress.
