Guide to Open Competition
In parallel with team competition there are regular open galas. These are competitions where the swimmer competes as an individual. Entries for these galas are either through School Swimming where the swimmer represents the school or through the club and Swim Ulster, which is the body that runs swimming in the province.
Guide to open galas:
These are some of the open galas available to competitive swimmers:
Gala | Description |
Stroke development | Organised by Swim Ulster. This is the first step on the ladder for swimmers to try for a time, which allows progression to the next level. Boys 9-12, 13-16 Girls 9-12, 13-16 Age on day of meet |
Potential Olympians | Time trial organised by Swim Ulster. Step up from stroke development galas for older swimmers. Qualifying times required. Female 13+ Male 14+ Age on 17th February |
Age Group Superstars | Time trial organised by Swim Ulster. Step up from stroke development galas for younger swimmers. Next step is based on age ie Potential Olympians Girls 9-12 Boys 9-13 Age on last day of competition |
Ulster Age Groups | Organised by Swim Ulster. Culmination of Age Group Superstsr series. Medals awarded for finals. Girls 9-12 Boys 9-13 |
Ulster Youth Championships | Organised by Swim Ulster. Culmination of Potential Olympian series. Medals awarded for Finals Females 13-16 Males 14-17 |
Ards Junior | Open gala organised by Ards swimming club as a fundraiser |
Bangor Winter Swim Festival | Open gala organised by Bangor swimming club as a fundraiser |
Larne Sprints | Open gala organised by Larne swimming club as a fundraiser |
City of Belfast Open Gala | Open gala organised by City of Belfast swimming club as a fundraiser |
Bridgestone Gala | Open gala organised by Alliance swimming club as a fundraiser |
War Memorial | Organised by Swim Ulster. Relay teams only |
Minor Schools | Organised by schools. Area heats, Ulster and Irish finals |
Irish Secondary Schools | Organised by schools. All Ireland event, can be in North or South |
Other important information:-
Whilst the entries for open competitions are handled by the School or club it is up to the parent to arrange transport and in most cases accompany their child to the gala.
In the case of Swim Ulster organised galas, the club must provide officials, usually timekeepers, to help run the gala. As the parent of a competitor you will be expected to assist.
Open galas tend to be all day events with swimmers competing in morning and/or afternoon sessions.