The 3rd of February sees the first Rising Stars Gala of 2024 at the prestigious Manchester Aquatic Centre.
The gala is an invitation event for the local network of Manchester community swimming clubs, which involves; Broadway, Harpurhey, Wythenshawe, Chadderton, COMAST Raven Moss, COMAST Hough End, COMAST Academy and COMAST Matt Walker Academy for disability swimmers.
The gala gives young swimmers a chance to participate in a competitive environment often for the first time and build their confidence before progressing to compete in licensed galas outside the Manchester area.
Approximately 120 swimmers attend the event and can compete in 50m of Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Backstroke, together with a 100m Individual Medley, with Team Freestyle relays to finish the evening.
Medals are awarded to the top three in each event and age groups of 8 to 14/15 years, with overall and relay team trophies.
The event is organised and officiated by volunteers from the City of Manchester Aquatics Swim Team, with swimmers from the senior squads providing timekeeping.
There are four galas scheduled for 2024 and COMAST are pleased to announce that AWB & Son have come onboard to sponsor the events for the year. AWB & Son are notable for Compliance Solutions relating to Fire Safety, Water Hygiene, Training and Technical Advice.
The final gala for 2023 was held in November with Harpurhey retaining the overall trophy and COMAST Hough End triumphant in the relay.
Future dates for 2024 will be announced shortly.