conduct the first of what is hoped to be many fun-orientated meets at the local pool this weekend.

Swimming has always been a

popular pastime in Cootamundra, with many regulars hitting the water early in the morning, at lunch time or after work to maintain and increase their fitness levels.

One of the driving forces behind the new group David Tulenew said the formation of a senior swim squad is primarily to give any local

residents who enjoy swimming to compete in a non-threatening

environment.

“The emphasis is squarely centred on fun and the social aspect of

swimming,” Tulenew said.

“We will be staging races each week, but swimmers will be

competing solely against their own qualifying times.

“There’s no such thing as first,

second and third.”

Tulenew said that while he’s

planning to conduct races every Sunday from 9am, swimmers are not committed to racing each week.

“We’re encouraging people to turn up when they can,” he said.

“We don’t expect people to

commit to every Sunday morning, however the more people we can attract to become part of the group, the more races we can conduct each week.”

The sessions will be geared to swimmers of all levels, with the

possibility of 33m races for those who can’t complete a full lap.

“It doesn’t matter if you are the best swimmer or the worst, it’s all about having a bit of fun and you are only ever competing against your own time,” Tulenew said.

“The option is also there for those who may not want to take part in races initially to come along and swim laps in adjacent lanes.”

The group is on the lookout for a club name and anyone with

suggestions is welcome to contact Tulenew or fellow organiser Lyal Twyford or turn up on Sunday with their suggestion.

Tulenew said local athletes

looking to compete in the triathlon held in conjunction with the annual Beach Volleyball carnival could use the swim group as part of their

training program.

“The more the merrier,” he said.

The squad is open to anyone over the age of 18, with a $2 competition fee each week.