The boys surf team finishing in first place at the Victorian Lifesaving Championships. 78308 Picture: SUPPLIED
WILLIAMSTOWN Life Saving Club’s junior competitors braved four seasons in one day to participate in the 2012 Victorian Lifesaving Championships held at Lorne last weekend.
Following the cancellation of the first day of competition due to high easterly winds, pouring rain and rough surf, competitors from Williamstown embraced the chance to participate in the iron man events and team events on Sunday, braving sporadic changes between sunshine and pouring rain on the day.
Highlights for the Williamstown team included the under-12 boys surf team finishing in first place, as well as Chris Breedon finishing second in the under-12 iron race.
Fifty-seven competitors from Williamstown were among more than 1600 nippers from 38 clubs from across Victoria which registered to compete in the final junior carnival for the 2011/2012 season.
Life Saving Victoria sports events co-ordinator Tom Mitchell said this year’s junior carnival saw a great sense of competition across all events.
“Sunday’s races were highly contested and Williamstown has done well to finish several great results, despite the weather dished up over the weekend,” he said.
The traditional march past, a parade of competitors representing their clubs, is always a highlight of the junior carnival, and Williamstown proudly competed, marching with their club flags.
“The nippers program is designed to provide an introduction to lifesaving skills in a fun environment, where they can develop their skills, make friends, be active and enjoy the beach.
“Competing in lifesaving sport encourages kids to develop their skills in a friendly sense of competition.
“Again this year we have seen some great skills and results, which will help develop our future lifesavers.”
