Masters' carnival sees 200 swimmers

The Ettalong Pelicans Masters Swimming Club had success recently at its annual carnival, held on May 19 at the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

Club secretary Mr Gordon Ferguson said that the day included "over 200 adult swimmers", mainly from Sydney, Hunter Valley and Central Coast clubs competing, with a sizable group from Port Macquarie and an "intrepid 90-year-old" from Queensland.

"Eight National Masters records were broken in various age groups with Alan Godfrey (three records) of Tattersalls Club and Simon Ho of North Sydney two of the stars," Mr Ferguson said.

"Also eight State Masters records were set with Tony Goodwin of Manly breaking a National record and two State records.

"A feature of the day was the Challenge Relay for teams of four men and four women kindly sponsored by Lance Clarke's Amcal Pharmacy of Woy Woy, which was won by Ettalong with the big clubs, Novocastrians and Warringah second and third.

"Gavin Fitzsimons, 29, of Ettalong Club was the fastest man in Freestyle, swimming a slashing time of 26.15 seconds for 50 metres Freestyle.

"Bill Cook of the home club won the 60 to 64 years age group with three wins and a second from his four swims.

"The Novocastrian Club won the point score, followed by Warringah, while the average point score was won by Blacktown, ahead of Hornsby."

Mr Ferguson said many of the visitors praised the "smooth running" of the carnival and the facilities of the centre.

Mr Ferguson said races were held in the 25 metre section of the main pool so members of the public could still use the rest of the pools in the centre throughout the day.

Press release, 23 May 2007 Gordon Ferguson, Ettalong Pelicans Masters Swimming Club