Tessa Jowell MP

Tessa Jowell helped to launch the first School Swimming Gala in forty years at the Brockwell Park Lido in July.

Organised by Whippersnappers - over 100 primary and secondary school pupils from Lambeth and Southwark took part in the Swimming Gala in the newly refurbished lido on Thursday July 3^rd 2008.

The races were both competitive and fun, with serious ‘Olympic style’ races as well as opportunities to cross the water in pyjamas or inflatables. Whippersnapper entertainers were stilt walking, drumming, dancing and delivering workshops in martial arts, fitness, acrobatics and street dance. Local elders were also invited to join in with some Tai chi and dominos, and offered a poolside cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Volunteers from Whippersnappers, The V project, Park Rangers, Brockwell Lido Users, Herne Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Pupils on work experience and local parents all came together to help make the event a huge success. Harry from Olley’s Fish and Chip shop sponsored the medals.

Whippersnappers, Brockwell Lido, The British Swimming Association and Lambeth Council all see the gala as an exciting opportunity to raise awareness for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The last outdoor London Swimming Championship to be held at Brockwell Lido was forty years ago in 1968. The championships were then relocated to Crystal Palace and held indoors. Whippersnappers are hoping to make their Whippersnapper  Swimming Gala  an  annual event at the lido leading up to the 2012 Games.

Tessa Jowell said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Whippersnappers have decided to host their Swimming Gala this year and, I hope, every year until London hosts the Olympics in 2012.  This will really help to raise awareness of the games across Lambeth and Southwark.

“Swimming is a fabulous way to get involved in sport and that is why the Government was delighted to announce recently a 'challenge fund' to encourage Local Authorities to offer free swimming for under 16's in the run-up to the games.”