Orion News - 17th March 2013
Kit update
The order for the named hats has gone off. Also I am assured that the new shirts will finally arrive this week. Please be aware we still have Orion hoodies for sale in all sizes ready for our busy gala time - see Carol Ball or me or ideally any committee member on a Thursday night. (A new Committee picture has been put up on the who's who page in case you do not know who we are - should also include Sanjay Vydianath, Rachel Kilgallon, Mike Berry and Nicky Street)
Aquathlon
The current plan is for an Aquathlon morning on Sunday June 9th from 9am. We will be accepting and expecting entries from every age group i.e. 5-60. The youngest will be competing by swimming 25m and running 250m and there will be a step wise increase in distance until 'full' Aquathlon at 400m swim and 3000m run (approx.) We are keen to have relay teams where needed if you cannot swim or run the required distance. These can be two adults or adult/child combination - so no excuses!
Of course if you volunteer to help with marshalling and catering you may get away with not competing.....maybe. The emphasis will be on fun......
Junior group structure change
The Junior section will now be divided into Junior 1 (as before) and Junior Start and Junior Development i.e. no podium or split development groups. This will not affect current arrangements and should simplify the structure going forward.
Sainsbury's active kids vouchers
Two years ago we successfully collected these and bought some very useful kit for the Club and it would be great to repeat that success. However we currently have two missing elements (1) We need someone to oversee/run this as Angie and I quite simply do not have the time and (2) we will need your vouchers so please get collecting from friends and family.
Officials course
We have been promised a date for this in the next week so let me know if you are still interested. On the subject of officials a big thanks to David Smith and Angie who provided Orion's officials 'quota' for the 3 days of the Warwicks.
Dates for your diary
Details of Easter closures are on the website as well as numerous gala dates in April and May. We will need entries in for Haden Hill and Stourbridge in the next few weeks.
Chairman's rant
In my last news piece I stressed the importance of team galas. It seems that my message either came too late for April or was forgotten. We have an outstanding coaching team who are not the 'wearing your heart on a sleeve' or bullying type, but as Chair I know how much they care for their swimmers and Orion SC, so to see them get so downhearted at gala withdrawals is really not pleasant.
Recently with the Warwickshire ASA centenary there has been a great deal of discussion about Orion's rich history full of some great team performances and Club commitment. I believe it is still a huge honour to be selected to swim for your Club.
It would be really helpful to get feedback as to what we can do as a committee or coaching team to reduce gala drop outs... carrot/stick or organisational changes?
Warwickshire Championships
Congratulations to all those who achieved personal bests etc. at the Warwickshire championships. Perhaps swimmers/parents you could help us collate those achievements by pointing out PB's to Carl or me so we can highlight them in a report
Loz - Chair Orion SC
Orion News - 10th March 2013
Good news!
Whilst a number of our swimmers have been competing well in recent weeks I will take the opportunity of highlighting three outstanding successes
Joe Sadio has achieved two national times at the Warwicks in 1500m and 400 IM. Joe has worked so hard for these amazing times and deserves every moment of his success. He is rewriting the Orion record books and his improvement shows no signs of stopping.
Megan Richter achieved an unprecedented 11 golds at the Disability Junior nationals and has been rewarded for her fantastic swimming with a GB call up. Once again showing the rewards possible with hard work and dedication.
Scott Hadley gained his first National disability medal - his improvement since moving to Orion has also been incredible.
Three swimmers with three different Orion coaches - your swimmers are in good hands!
Membership
Dianne will do final processing in the next week and will release the list of non-insured swimmers to the coaches and Committee. These swimmers will no longer be allowed to swim until their membership has been renewed. Thank you for your understanding on this.
Named hats
Thanks to Aarti's work we have enough orders in place to send off an order. If you want a named hat, please contact Aarti on email junior1@orionswimmingclub.co.uk.
Easter closures
These are now on the website. Note Friday-Monday inclusive - no sessions.
Thursday 28th - no sessions for learners, junior 1 - all others are on.
Provisional dates
Two provisional dates for diaries (subject to booking confirmation) are Sunday June 9th for Orion's first Aquathon (swim and run). This will be open to all swimmers and parents including a relay option. The committee are already in high level training (allegedly). If anyone can help with organisation, marshalling, refreshments etc. please let us know. At this stage I am very keen to have input from any triathletes who can advise on course, timings etc. This promises to be an all-inclusive family fun event in the sunshine
The second date is the first Friday in July for our summer BBQ (if we can persuade Barnie to have us back)
Stourbridge Open
Many swimmers will have been given entry forms for Stourbridge Open. We want a large Orion presence at this gala so let me know if you have not had a form and want one or go to Stourbridge SC website
Any questions?
Do you have any news? Any questions? Any suggestions? Email me or chat to a committee member on the Thursday Club Night.
Loz - Chair Orion SC