Return to Pools - Update – 3rd November 2020

Dear Otters

And our” Return to Pools” was going so well! Most of our Master Swimming venues back in action with all training sessions close to capacity, and even some Junior Water Polo about to restart.

However, and I imagine you will all have heard by now, over the weekend the Government announced a 2nd nationwide lockdown starting on 5th November through to 2nd December, during which time all swimming pools and leisure centres will be closed.

Read More

Return to Training Declaration

Dear Otters,

This is a challenging time for us all and Otter very much needs the cooperation of our members to enable us to operate safely. We are therefore asking all members to confirm their fitness to return to training, before they attend any Otter training session or Otter event after the lockdown, by acknowledging that they have read and understood the attached Return to Training declaration form. Initially, the acknowledgement will be made via a “tick box” on the electronic booking form for each training session.

Read More

Coronavirus - All Sessions Cancelled

Following Government announcements on Monday concerning Corona Virus (Covid–19) and now yesterday evenings announcement from Swim England that they are “strongly advising clubs to consider cancelling or postponing activity – including events – until the end of May” (https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/coronavirus-statement/) the Otter Committee has decided that for the time being all Otter training sessions should be CANCELLED with immediate effect.

Read More

Otter secure promotion to British Water Polo League division 2

At the Haberdashers School in Elstree this weekend the Otter Men’s water polo team clinched promotion back to the British Water Polo League division 2.

On Saturday Otter hammered the Manchester Hawks 18-7, including contributions from Nicholas Corjon (5), Alex Zachariades (4) and Nikos Zavitsanos (4). Then on Sunday seized a hard-earned victory over Birmingham by 11 goals to 9; a last minute score from Nicholas Corjon ensured the win.

BWPL Men's Champ 2

Capture.PNG
IMG-20200308-WA0003.jpg

From left to right: Konstantinos Gartaganis, Danny Davis, Ivan Martinelli, Denes Csizsinszky, Daniel Shunn. Nikos Zavitsanos, Henry Elwell-Sutton, Omiros Pantazis, Mate Nyaka, Jules Jean Palayer, Nicholas Corjon, Alexandros Zachariades, Coach - Mario de Lera Calero

Otter 150th Celebrations: Swimming & Water Polo Festival

In 2019 Otter wanted to celebrate its 150th anniversary in style and so joined together with Swim England, which was also celebrating 150 years of the swimming governing body, and planned a unique swimming and water polo festival. We wanted to put on an event which was a bit different to the normal open meets. Something that brought together masters swimmers from across the country to celebrate all the best bits of masters swimming: the camaraderie, friendship, occasional athleticism, and perhaps a little competition. The programme paid homage to Otter and swimming’s history, resurrecting the plunge and some old English backstroke for the day, alongside more recognisable events.

Read More

Swim England and Otter celebrate 150 years

2019 is a year of celebration for both Otter Swimming Club and Swim England as they mark their 150th anniversaries.  One of the highlights of the year will be a unique team gala event at the London Aquatic Centre on Sunday 14 July which provides an opportunity for Masters swimmers all over the country to participate in these celebrations.

Otter has secured sole use of the main Olympic competition pool in London for a fun, informal gala which will include relay and individual swimming races. The teams will comprise many different Masters clubs including some of our traditional rivals (and friends!) such as Spencer, Barnet and Teddington.  It is a fantastic opportunity not only to race in the Olympic pool but to join in the fun and celebrate the camaraderie and longevity of masters swimming. Otter is putting together a programme to include a mixture of current and historic events which we hope will feature the plunge as well as some old English backstroke and novelty relays. 

Swim England is coordinating an “All Stars Team North” and “ All Stars Team South” so that masters swimmers from across the country can join us.  If you would like to be involved please contact:

Team South: Simon Veale (simon.veale@outlook.com)

Team North: Verity Dobbie and Nicola Latty (otter150.teamnorth@gmail.com

Any past and present Otter swimmers who would like to be involved should email us at otter150gala@gmail.com. Please save the date now!  

2019 represents a significant milestone for Otter and we would be delighted if you would celebrate with us by supporting this special event. 

Details:

Where: London Aquatics Centre, Olympic Park, London E20 2ZQ

When: Sunday 14 July 2019.  Warm-up at 10am with racing scheduled to finish at 2pm at the latest, with socialising to follow!