Workington's swimming club is gearing up for its biggest annual event yet.

Workington's Amateur Swimming Club (WASC) is set to host its 15th President's Gala at Workington Leisure Centre will take place this coming weekend, September 20.

The event, featuring the largest number of entries ever, will see swimmers from Barrow, Ulverston, Penrith, Carlisle, Copeland, Cockermouth, Kendal, and Workington all represented. 

Clubs from outside the county such as Atherton & Leigh, Carnforth, Dumfries, Leyland, and Howe Bridge will also be participating.

Competitions will kick off on the Friday evening (September 20) with 800m and 1500m distance events, followed by 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m events over the Saturday and Sunday.

The Workington swim team will be made up of swimmers aged from nine to over 40.

Kristianne Flitton, on behalf of the Workington ASC, said: "WASC is an inclusive, family-orientated Swimming Club and we are very much looking forward to welcoming swimmers, coaches, families from other clubs.

"Many of our swimmers joined the club at a young age, have progressed through our squads, and are performing at county and English north-west regional level."

During the academic year from September 2023 to July 2024, WASC conducted a 'School Swim' project, funded by Sport England.

This initiative offered free swim-coaching sessions to local schools, benefiting over 30 children.

"This provided an opportunity for some of our more experienced swimmers to lend a hand with coaching and has led to an increase in children joining the club and coaching experience that our existing swimmers can utilise," Ms Flitton said. 

In 2024, WASC supported six coaches through their assistant coaching qualification, with three more set to begin their next level qualification in September.

The club also organised a successful training camp in Lanzarote in October 2023 and is planning to revisit in October 2025.

"We are always looking for swimmers to join our team.

"We have a successful ‘Masters’ programme for swimmers aged 18 plus who want to continue to compete or to swim for fitness," she said.