Sainsbury's School Games National Level 4 Competition in Manchester Jesse Foster’s STORY


I have been fortunate enough to be selected to compete at the School Games twice now and have been able to experience the excitement of competing at a multi-sport event (like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games). I represented England South, which brings together swimmers who usually compete against each other, into a team with a common goal, which allows us to make friends that last well beyond the 4 days of the event. Once we arrived all the athletes, mentors, coaches, volunteers and parents attended the amazing opening ceremony.


Saturday we started early getting up for breakfast at 7am ready to get to the pool and start warm up for 8.30am. I enjoy watching other sports but I still think the swimming is the most exciting of the sports, or at least has the best atmosphere, as the swimmers tend to be rather rowdy whilst supporting their team mates. The school games swimming commentators also help as they are very enthusiastic and build-up both the crowd and the swimming performances.


The school games provide a great start to the school year coming as they do right at the beginning


Diary of a Gold Medalist Craig Harris


Thursday I arrived in Manchester for my 3rd Sainsbury’s School Games Level 4 competition representing England South swimming team to settle into the Holiday Inn Express which is always fun seeing fellow team mates from last year.


of the academic year, but it’s not a great time for swimmers following the only break in the swimming training calendar. Although this means there is less pressure to preform personal best times or records, there is a really strong desire to swim well for the team. So although I narrowly missed a medal coming 4th, I was very pleased to do my pb+1 (my personal best plus 1 second) in my100m breaststroke.


After an exciting closing ceremony in the Veladrome we flew back to Exeter late on Sunday evening.


I do feel so fortunate to have taken part in two school games, they are events I will remember as being so fun and inspiring. It is something I’d encourage others to aim for and a brilliant goal and it will definitely be worth all the hard work and dedication needed to get there.


In the evening I attended a very inspiring Opening Ceremony, which included an athlete parade, dance acts, Q&A with Olympic and Paralympic medallists and a special appearance on stage by Welsh Umpire Joe Turner who was representing the officials of the games! This open ceremony was made even more special as I was selected to represent all the swimmers and carry the swimming flag, with special friends Kate Grey and Ross Davenport.


England South Medalists


Friday After the late night at the Opening Ceremony we did not get much of a lay in as we were up at 7am before heading to the Manchester Aquatic Centre for a training session and lectures. After training I attending a motivation session with our swimming mentors, which was followed by an Anti-Doping Education Workshop. As part of UKAD’s commitment to support the next generation of British athletes, the organisation has worked with the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) represented to ensure every athlete has the opportunity to attend a workshop, through the 100% me athlete education programme. After lunch we walked to the Velodrome to watch some cycling, followed by a short walk to the Athletics stadium to watch the athletics, before heading back for dinner. After having dinner as a squad, some of us were able to go and visit the local shopping centre to gets some face paints and fancy dress in our team colour of pink ahead of tomorrow and the start of the swimming competition.


England South Swimming team


Saturday The day is off and running at 7 am with breakfast before being bussed to the Aquatic Centre warm up and pre-race preparation (face painting). Warm up felt like swimming through treacle after only a week back in the water and training. I claimed gold in a great 100 Brst race, which saw me go out in a 34s 50. The team is really gelling and is very supportive, especially to the first year swimmers. The first day was a great success and the England South team are currently in third behind the North and East


of England. Lunchtime again and the dreaded lunch box, they are really not swimmer friendly.


I was able to watch a little hockey and the amazing wheel chair basketball, before finding the hub and the games centre. It was really good at the hub meeting athletes from other sports and socialising with them over dinner.


Sunday


England South are all fired up after warm up with spirits high. I fort hard to claim gold in the 100 Fly and 200 IM. Although there was eight teams competing against each other the respect for each other and the friendships forged was a very obvious undertone. Before we knew it the competition was over and we had come third behind England North and East. It was back off to the velodrome to attend the closing ceremony, before making the long journey back to Swindon via London.


All swimmers had a fantastic experience at the Sainsbury’s School Games 2014, which prepares you for the next level of competition at national and international level. I have been fortunate to attend my third school games and I can honestly say it really prepared me for representing GBR at the Para European Swimming Championships in Eindhoven in Aug 2014. The games also gives you the opportunity to meet and watch other sports that you rarely get the opportunity to see. I can’t wait to return to Manchester in 2015 for my fourth games if selected.


Wiltshire and Swindon Relay 11


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