Ramsbottom Rascal swimmers were part of Team Bury that attended the International Youth Sports Festival in May this year. The competition was held in Tulle which is in central France. There were teams from other countries which were Germany, Russia, Italy, Portugal and of course France. The towns in which the other teams came from are all twinned with each other in some way. There were many different sports competing as well as swimming, which were football, basketball and athletics.
We all met early on May 13th at Castle Leisure centre, and travelled by coach then plane, then coach to finally arrive in Tulle around lunch time.
Unfortunately the original accommodation wasn’t really suitable, but an alternative was found. We unpacked and went for lunch where we met some of the other teams. There was some friendly rivalry and singing. For some reason the Portuguese kept singing ‘When the Saints Go Marching In,’ over and over with Portuguese words which we found very annoying.
That night there was an opening ceremony, with a really really long walk behind some people playing drums to the square where there were some speeches and we danced.
Next day, was competition day. We set off early for breakfast and met some Russian lads, who were there for football. Then they went off to their match as we headed for our gala. We were given Team Bury swimming hats. We had fun in the baby pool at the beginning and at lunchtime although the Portuguese entertained us with a dance to ‘I got a Feeling’ by the Black Eyed Peas. Everyone joined in even the adults. This became the signature song for the trip. I’m sure when we hear it many of us will think back to great memories of Tulle. Team Bury won the swimming again and we all got medals. That night we were allowed to go out and about in Tulle wherever we wanted. We met some new people and had some fun.
On Saturday night there was a closing ceremony and some teams left for their long journeys back to their countries. The only countries left were the French, the Russians and us.
On Sunday, Team Bury got packed up and ready to leave. Unfortunately, Iceland foiled our plans and volcanic ash struck again. Manchester airport was closed and Bury Sports Development had to make quick back up plans. Luckily after a long day of phone calls two coaches were arranged. After a long journey overnight through France, then ferry to Calais and another coach from there, we finally arrived back in Bury at Monday teatime!
Unfortunately there is no Festival next year, but the year after it will be held in Bury, in time for the London 2012 Olympics. I’ll be looking forward to going, and I’ve Got A Feeling, tonight’s gonna be a good night. ;)
A very successful trip with exemplary behaviour from all our swimmers despite the problems getting home!
Well done to Kathryn Williams, Hannah Bradshaw, Charlotte Smith, Harriet Dawson, George Hargreaves, Jacob Davies, Jacob Green, Josh Donohoe, Bryn Davies, Tom O’Connor.
Harriet and Liz Dawson
