‘We couldn’t be prouder!’

By Christine McDonald, Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club publicity officer

The Illawarra Branch Championships were held on Saturday, 12 February at Thirroul Beach. After a week of bad weather it was great to see the sun out even just for a few moments.

It was wonderful to see our Nippers start the day as a team and show our colours in the old tradition of the March Past. We had lots of Nippers make the finals and so many more just giving it a go and that’s all we can ask for. We couldn’t be prouder!

Congratulations to Indiana for being a finalist in the Illawarra Junior Lifesaver of the Year comp. This year the win went to Bulli’s Stephanie and Bellambi’s Declan.

Twenty-four competitors wearing the red, white and blue cap represented The Park across both the beach and water events at the Illawarra Branch on Saturday, 12 February at Thirroul.

An incredible 17 of our Nippers won a medal or two or four! Congratulations to: Dash U8 – 3rd Sprint; Nate U9 – 3rd Sprint; Halle U10 – 1st Sprint & 2nd Flags; Noah U10 – 1st Sprint; Halle, Lincoln, Max + Noah U10 – 1st Beach Relay; Sienna U11 – 1st One km Run; Winnie U11 – 2nd One km Run; Oli U11 – 3rd One km Run; Frankie U12 – 2nd Sprint & 2nd Flags; Will U12 – 3rd Board; Dom U12 – 1st Flags & 3rd Sprint; Tiahna U13 – 1st Sprint; Darcy, Frankie, Tiahna + Zalie U13 – 3rd Beach Relay.

Our Nippers were beyond excited to top off the day with a Bradbury style FIRST PLACE in the All Age Relay (they came in 4th, then the top 3 teams were disqualified). Congrats to: Dash, Nate, Halle, Sienna, Dom, Tiahna, Indiana and Codie.

The carnival wouldn’t happen without the officials, water safety, parents, family and friends. Thank you!