'It's going to be great for the town' – new 'Stingrays' swim club to open in Kildare

The town of Athy in Co Kildare is set to benefit from Ireland's newest swimming sensation.

Based at the popular K-Leisure facility in the town, Stingrays swim club is a brand new club ready to start training eager swimmers in April this year.

The club will be holding a welcome day and swim trials at K-Leisure on Sunday April 12 at 10.30am and those wishing to participate should visit the club Facebook page and register their interest.

Stingrays will focus on improving members’ swimming skills and performance in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, offering top quality coaching focused on technique.

Through Swim Ireland affiliation, swimmers will be able to compete in official galas and meets and those who get quick enough will have access to elite regional and national coaching programmes and squads.

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There will be a competitive Master’s section for those over 18.

“It’s about time Athy had its own swim club,” says James Ryan, Stingrays' club chairperson.

“The facilities are second to none and there is real appetite in the community for the club. Swimming is getting more popular and is a lifelong skill as well as a highly competitive sport. A lot of work has gone in behind the scenes and we are delighted to be able to launch in the coming weeks.”

Stingrays is also looking to the town and its business community to get involved and help out where they can through sponsorship and other forms of support.

Those who might be able to help are encouraged to contact the chairperson.

“We are just getting going and have a lot to learn,” continues James, “but one thing we do know is that swimming should be fun, and children should enjoy every session and look forward to the next one.

“We aim to create a great place to make friends and to train and compete together. At the same time, the coaches coming on board are skilled and experienced and have all competed at a high level themselves, so they know what it takes and how to support those swimmers aiming for elite levels of achievement.

“It’s going to be great for the town.”

For all enquiries, please contact James Ryan, Chairperson, Stingrays at: 087 6671002, stingray.enquiries@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/StingraysSwimClubAthy/