MORE than 110 competitiors took to the water at Cobargo Pool last Saturday.
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The Cobargo Amateur Swimming Club hosted a development carnival that attracted swimmers from around NSW and the ACT.
The day included a visit by Australian Olympian Sally Foster.
Organiser Cassy Dowd said it was a highlight for the locals and visitors alike.
“The highlight for many was the visit from Sally,” Dowd said.
“She is Australia’s current 100m and 200m breaststroke champion and a London Olympian.”
Dowd said organisers were honoured by Foster’s dedication to the sport, travelling from Adelaide just to attend the carnival.
“Sally volunteered to travel all the way, taking time out of her busy training schedule,” Dowd said.
Dowd said kids were overcome with excitement getting autographs from Foster and talking to her about her Olympic career.
“She spent the day signing autographs, chatting wtih the kids and even demonstrated her skills by participating in a few races.
“Sally is an excellent ambassador for Swimming Australia, everyone really appreciated her enthusiasm on the day,” Dowd said.
Development carnivals are aimed at encouraging and introducing new swimmers to the world of competition in a non-threatening environment.
Dowd said it was great to see a number of new faces taking part.
“There were competitors as young as five participating and it was great to see how proud they were of their efforts, regardless of whether they won or not,” she said.
“Many of the local competitors achieved excellent results on the day, in addition to those who medalled, many others went on to achieve personal best times in most of their events.”
Organisers have hailed the carnival as a success and were sure it would be a memorable day for everyone who took part.