The spirit of competition and celebration was in full flow on Monday, June 9, as 83 young swimmers from six of Cowals primary schools gathered at Dunoons Riverside Leisure Centre for the first ever Cowal Primary Schools Swimming Gala.
With medals up for grabs in every race and a coveted team trophy at stake, excitement rippled through the crowd from the very first whistle.
Children competed across a range of events including all four main strokes, as well as medley and freestyle relays to close the day.
Races were organised into three age categories Primaries 13 and 45 swam 25 metres, while Primaries 67 tackled 50 metres.
For many, it was their first taste of competitive swimming, but the performances were nothing short of outstanding, with thrillingly close finishes.
As the event unfolded, it became a tight three-way contest between Dunoon, Toward and Kirn primaries.
Heading into the relays, just three points separated the leading teams, but it was a strong final push from Toward in the freestyle and medley relays that sealed their victory by a narrow five-point margin.
Dunoon took second place, with Kirn close behind in third.
Sandbank, Tighnabruaich and St Muns all put in impressive performances to secure fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Every child who took part was congratulated, and special pennants were sent to each school to mark their pupils efforts and achievements.
The winning team from Toward Primary were especially praised for their determined swims, with their small but mighty squad proudly taking home the top team trophy.
Medals were presented by Maggie Clark, president of Dunoon Rotary Club.
The event ran smoothly thanks to timekeeping and officiating by Dunoon Grammar School pupils, Active Schools coordinators Lindsay and Joanne, and members of the Dunoon Amateur Swimming Club (DASC) committee.
Live Argylls staff at the pool ensured a safe and welcoming environment throughout.
DASC offered their thanks to all involved helpers, school staff, and most of all, the enthusiastic children who made the day such a success.
