BWSC Warm Weather Training Camp, Cyprus February 19th-26th February 2011

A group of thirty two swimmers, two Team Managers and two Coaches gathered at Terminal 1, Heathrow Airport at 6.15am on the morning of Saturday19th February in order to check in for the flight to Cyprus. There were three other teams of swimmers checking in for the same flight, Newbury, Reading and Bridgend and the flight departed on time with a number of happy swimmers onboard. On our arrival at Larnaca Airport, we were met by a representative from Arena who accompanied us to the Hotel. The swimmers checked into their rooms and then dinner was provided. The Aquamare Hotel certainly lived up to its four star status. The rooms were nice, the hotel staff were very pleasant and helpful and the food was excellent, offering a wide variety of dishes.

On Sunday, day one of training, the sessions were designed to help the swimmers settle in to a different environment. The swimmers adapted quickly and trained well. The weather during the week especially during training in the morning was very good. Unfortunately, the conditions in the evening were cold, but the swimmers managed to cope well.

On Monday we were joined by a group of swimmers from the Russian National Squad whose main stroke was Breaststroke. In the group swimming was the current European Champion on 200m Breaststroke. This was a great opportunity for the swimmers to look at an elite Breaststroke swimmer. Towards the end of the week the swimmers from BWSC challenged the Russian swimmers to a Freestyle relay race, it was great fun to watch and we were narrowly beaten.

During the week all swimmers were filmed on starts, turns and their main stroke. This was then shown to the swimmers to help correct their technique. The land training was conducted at the hotel which offered excellent gym facilities. The swimmers were given Wednesday afternoon off from training, which gave them the opportunity to do something different. Some chose to stay by the beach and go in the sea. The majority of the boys wanted to play football and some girls went into Paphos to do some shopping.

The swimmers were divided into four teams and during the evening there were quizzes and team games organised. One of the quizzes was to guess who the person was from a picture which was taken as a baby or when they were younger. This was quite an interesting evening that provided a lot of entertainment! Relay races were also organised and the team leaders participated in the final relay race of the week. A prize was awarded to the overall winning team.

The training camp to Cyprus was a great success, the swimmers were great, and they were a credit to the Club and themselves. I would like to thank Stuart Fillingham and Avis Rent a Car for supplying a hire car for the Team Chaperones. A great thanks to Vanessa, Paul and Louisa for their hard work in contributing towards a very enjoyable week.