The 39th Fife Inter Schools Gala for swimmers with additional support needs was held at Lochgelly HS on Thursday 27th September and produced the most exciting finish in the history of the event. The outcome depended on the final two relays. The host school produced an outstanding second place finish in the girls relay and a win in the boys relay to win the Russell Hogg trophy by one point. The victory prevented Woodmill HS swimmers making it four wins in successive years. This was only the third win for Lochgelly HS in 39 years.
The gala is organised by Disability Sport Fife (DSF) and supported by the staff and pupils of Lochgelly High School. DSF is indebted to Lochgelly HS ambassadors who acted as time keepers and Scottish Swimming officials Tom Foster, Jim Drummond and Colin Wilson who coordinated officiating duties. As always DSF had a strong team of volunteers operating on poolside. The gala ran exceptionally smoothly with 55 individual events and relays being held in under two hours. The headteacher of Lochgelly HS presented medals to race winners and also presented the Russell Hogg Trophy.
9 secondary schools participated, the highest number to date. Newcomers Auchmuty HS and Queen Anne HS joined Woodmill HS, Balwearie HS, Lochgelly HS, Madras College, Bell Baxter HS, Glenothes HS and Dunfermline HS for the 2018 gala. The Fife team for the Scottish Junior Championships to be held at Tollcross International Aquatics Centre will be selected from gala results.
Team points: Lochgelly HS 63; Woodmill HS 62; Balwearie HS 39; Madrras College 36; Queen Anne HS 21; Glenrothes HH 19; Auchmuty HS 12; Bell Baxter HS/Dunfermline HS 8. Callum Robertson from Balwearie HS was voted top boy and Cerys Venters Scott from Dunfermline HS top girl.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife