'Time Trials' All go for younger swimmers!

The 'Time Trials' for Session 1 swimmers ( Wednesday 28th February) produced several close finishes. This is an opportunity for our younger members to improve on PB's and possibly edge their way on to the current 'Teletot' team. We are after all a competitive club and those swimmers who put in the effort and swim regularly will be the ones who are most likely to join the squad. There is a lot that our coaches can do to improve stroke technique etc. but the effort must come from swimmers themselves. Well done to all who took part!

Fixtures for the rest of the season.

The following dates have been confirmed for our remaining galas. Why not take a moment to put them in your diary? There is still plenty to swim for especially with three Teletot fixtures to go.

24th March Portadown V Ballymena (PTL)

31st March Limavady V Portadown (Teletot)

21st April Portadown V Dungannon (Teletot)

19th May Ballymena V Portadown (Teletot)

PTL squad win against Mid-Ulster!

Portadown defeated Mid-Ulster in Saturday nights PTL gala in Magherafelt 578 to 563 points. In a hotly contested fixture Portadown came from behind to take a well deserved victory in a competition which went right to the wire with the result depending on the outcome of the final Freestyle relay event. The win was confirmed when the 'D ' girls finished ahead of their rivals and the senior boys also saw off their competition in an exciting final swim. It was undoubtedly a great team performance throughout all age groups with every point counting. The determination and total commitment shown by the team was what saw us through and everyone involved can be proud of the effort they made.

Age Group Superstars Meet 3 Sunday 18th February

Portadown ASC continued to make their mark on this competition held on Sunday in Lisburn at which Beth Irwin came away with 2 bronze medals in the 100m Freestyle and 200m Breaststroke. The event attracted swimmers from several clubs including competitors from Belfast, Ards, Bangor, Lisburn, Cavan, Derry and Letterkenny! The event was well organised and gives swimmers the opportunity to compete against 'the big boys'. We have the talent to compete on equal terms with anyone so why not give it a go next year.

Saturday 24th February morning swim cancelled!

Just in case anyone doesn't know there is no Saturday morning swim this coming weekend. This is because of the PTL gala in Magherafelt on Saturday night. Normal sessions will take place as usual next week.

Time Trials 28th February 2007

All first session swimmers are reminded that next Wednesday night will be 'Time Trials' night. This gives us a chance to see how much individuals have improved since our last session. Swimmers are asked to be changed and ready to go at 6.30pm. and all four strokes will be timed. Remember! Don't get so excited that you lose your technique, try your best to do those things that your coaches have asked you to do.

PTL Gala Saturday 24th February 2007

Squad members are reminded to meet at 'Cascades' at 4.00pm on Saturday for the away gala against Mid-Ulster in Magherafelt. It's been a while since our last gala but based on an encouraging performance at the Armagh Championship as well as recent Stroke Development meets we have the ability to do well. It is important that all swimmers make a big effort to attend. Transport will be provided and swimmers are asked to travel in official club tracksuits etc if possible.

Teletots defeat Olympia!

PASC Teletots were too strong for Olympia in Friday night's gala in Belfast recording a winning margin of over 100 points! The young squad, including several debut swimmers, produced a great series of swims in all age groups and once ahead they never looked back. (Several members also showed the same if not greater enthusiasm for the Coke, crisps, sandwiches and other 'goodies' generously supplied by Olympia!) Another big thanks is due to all the mums, dads, grandparents and friends who came to help and support the team, it means a lot to everyone involved with the club. Keep an eye out for 'PB's next Wednesday night.

Teletot gala V Olympia Friday 16th February

PASC 'Teletots' finally get the chance to hit the water in only their second competitive gala of the season when they tackle 'Olympia' from Belfast in the Andersonstown Leisure Centre this Friday night. Members of the squad are reminded that coach transport will be provided and swimmers are asked to meet at Cascades at 5.45pm on Friday evening. As usual we would encourage all members to travel in club tracksuits/polo shirts where possible. Remember, this is a chance to land a new 'Personal Best'. Best of luck to all, let's give it 100%!

Nursery Rhyme Quiz!

Remember Little Bo Peep and all those sheep? If you do, why not have a go at our 'Nursery Rhyme Quiz, copies of which are still available. Simply identify the 25 nursery rhymes by the first letters eg J.S.C.E.N.F = Jack Spratt Could Eat No Fat - and see if you can be one of our prize winners. Entries should be returned by Wednesday 28th February 2007 for the chance to win a meal voucher or a fruit, chocolate and wine hamper.

New delivery of club polo shirts!

We have just received a delivery of our red club polo shirts in a smaller size. These shirts are particularly suited to the younger members of the squad and can be bought at the club desk on Wednesday night. We would encourage all of our competitive swimmers to wear the official club tracksuit as it does promote the image of the club and is essential when photographs are taken.

Local photographer to snap squads!

A photographer from the local paper will be visiting the 'Club Night' session on Wednesday 14th February at 7.30pm when we hope to arrange for the formal presentation of a cheque from Bank of Ireland to take place. Swimmers from both Teletot and PTL squads are asked to make a special effort to attend so that we can get an official photograph of our current squads. It is important that medal and trophy wimmers from recent galas (Arthur Mc Donald and Armagh Championship) bring their awards. Tracksuits, polo shirts etc should be worn as this will be seen by the general public. Coaches are also asked to be present if possible! Confirmation of exact details will be given on Wednesday 7th February.

Stroke Development and Age Group Superstars Meets

February promises to be a busy month for club swimmers who are taking part in the above events. Stroke Development Meet 3 takes place in Dungannon on Sunday 11th at 9.ooam and Age Group Superstars returns to Lisburn pool the following weekend. Best of luck to all those taking part!

The fourth and final Stroke Development (Meet 4) takes place on Sunday 4th March once again in Dungannon. On this occasion the strokes will be 400m Freestyle and 200m Butterfly. Anyone interested should see Paul Higgins as soon as possible.

Teletot gala V Alliance postponed!

Unfortunately the Teletot gala on Friday 2nd February against Alliance has been postponed. This is disappointing as we were all looking forward to our second competitive swim, however, all is not lost and we hope to rearrange the fixture at a later date. Check the 'Fixtures' page on the website for other Teletot galas.