INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING GALA 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
We have returned for the start of 2024 in an optimistic fashion and I am delighted to welcome 140 new families to the College at the start of 2024. I have no doubt that you will ensure that they feel welcome as they weave their way into the stories of a new year and experience exciting, new beginnings.
The Inter-House Gala is always a highlight in our calendar and heralds in the new school year, reminding us of our purpose as a community and beckoning us forward as we face new challenges and opportunities. It is always a privilege to see our College swimmers in action and I look forward to seeing them excel and shine as they enjoy the opportunity to perform in front of their peers and family. Parents, thank you for attending and supporting your sons as there is no doubt that they enjoy your presence and encouragement. Please enjoy the camaraderie, the rivalry and the sheer joy of boys competing against their friends.
I am delighted that one of the great St Alban’s swimmers who attended the College in the Eighties, Oliver Gilbert (Class of 1988), has joined us today from Cape Town to experience the event 36 years after he matriculated. Oliver still holds the U14 Breaststroke record, which he set in 1984, and is still involved in Masters swimming for South Africa. Many thanks for joining us today, Oliver. We appreciate your presence at the College and are proud of your achievements.
Boys and staff, thank you for your preparation for this occasion and thank you for creating the wonderful atmosphere that we will experience today. Particularly, I would like to thank our ground staff, led by Johnny Nkuna, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the pool and surrounds are ready for this event, and to Sean Smith, our Master-in-Charge of Swimming, for all the preparation which goes into an event like today. Swimming requires many officials, and I would like to pay tribute to our Sport Department, led by Garth Turvey, for all the hard work behind the scenes.
There is no doubt that the Houses revel in the opportunity to compete against each other. Enjoy the rivalry and the fellowship which today will bring and I look forward to enjoying the festivities with you after the event.
Yours sincerely
Shane Kidwell
(6th Headmaster, St Alban’s College)
GALA RULES
Each swimmer may only swim four individual events and two of the three relays.
All swimmers must wear Speedo-style costumes – no shorts will be allowed.
Points Allocations:
Individual events: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
Relay events: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Pre-Swum Events
Thursday 18 January 2024

ORDER OF EVENTS
Friday 19 January 2024
RELAY
THANK YOU
The Headmaster and the College would like to thank everyone who participated in and supported the Swimming Gala this afternoon.
Please join the street party on David Butcher Drive for eats and drinks after the swimming gala.
Thank you to Sean Smith and the Sports Department for organising the gala.