ON Saturday, Barry Amateur Swimming Club held their 93rd AGM and presentation evening at The BP Sports and Social Club in Sully.

Chairman Heulwen Cooper, welcomed everyone including life members, representatives of Barry Beavers and special guest Paralympian swimmer Sam Hynd.

Sam represented Great Britain at top international level for well over a decade; he has held a number of world records and won medals in The 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Paralympics in the S8 category.

In her report the chairman stated that while female members still outnumbered males the gap is narrowing and this should help the club regain their competitive swimming abilities.

At present the club’s small team of volunteer coaches, who run sessions regularly, have been augmented by some new volunteers, four of whom are currently working hard on a Level 1 coaching course which has been arranged at the Barry pool.

However the club can always do with more help at poolside.

The club would also welcome offers to support the existing small committee and administrative team.

There are numerous tasks which need to be undertaken and decisions to be made in order to run a successful swimming club.

Future events include the Postal Long Distance Swim, to be held in early February.

This is entered by clubs from all over the UK and in recent years club members have won a few first places and medals.

At the beginning of March the club is hoping to send a team to a gala in Rhondda and later in the month Barry are hosting a home gala.

In May the club will be holding their sprint championships.

In mid-July the Cardiff Bay meet would be taking place, the chairman reiterated that this is a very large event organised by Barry for almost 30 years the success of which relies heavily on volunteer support from parents.

The report provided by the treasurer indicated that the club continues to be in a good financial position.

The club captains for the forthcoming year were announced, Iestyn Perkins was asked to continue in the role of Boy’s captain and the post of girl’s Captain is to be shared between Pia Sully and Nia Fuller.

Heulwen then welcomed Sam Hynd to tell everyone about his competing in the Olympics and how he won his medals.

Sam then presented trophies and medals to the boys and girls who competed in the club championships held over three weeks in November.

Special cups were then awarded to some outstanding club members.

Best runners-up were given to Nia Fuller and Alfie Sargeant, both came second in every one of the championship races in November.

Best newcomer awards went to Elizabeth Filise and Cai Selby, best novice swimmers were Rosie Chick and Daniel Halliday and the most improved swimmers were named as Gwenno Davies and Alfie Sargeant.

Iestyn Perkins was presented with the Loyalty Cup; he helps with the training and is a reliable club member.

Eleri Borges was awarded Lady Club Member of the Year for her work with the youngest club members over a number of years and Nigel Ralphs was Male Club Member of the Year for all his help and hard work at poolside.

Following the presentation of awards club members had the opportunity to chat to Sam Hynd and actually wear an Olympic medal.

The club will be holding trails on the morning of Sunday, February 17th between 9am and 10am.

If anyone is interested, please contact the membership secretary on 07866 078665.