CHILDREN and young people from Wrexham showed off their swimming skills in a gala at the National Pool in Swansea last week.
The Aquatic Challenge event was a showcase for the Welsh Assembly's Free Swimming scheme.
Cheering on the swimmers were Welsh Paralympic medallists David Roberts, Gareth Duke, Liz Johnson and Rhiannon Henry.
Teams of young swimmers aged between eight and 16 competed in a mini-relay designed to show a range of swimming skills.
There was also a mini-water polo tournament and finally the Gold Challenge event in which teams of six swam for 20 minutes to raise money for Ty Hafan - the Children's Hospice in Wales.
Sports Minister Alun Pugh said: 'The Free Swimming scheme has been a huge success and has proved to be a real incentive for young people to get active.
'The kids competing are not long-term members of established swimming clubs - they have got involved through the scheme over the summer. It is clear that if we provide the opportunities to get active, people will take them.
The Aquatic Challenge event was organised by the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association. For more information, please contact Hywel Williams on 01978 297433.
The Free Swimming scheme has been launched this week at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Wales has become the first European country to offer free swimming for people aged 60 and over.
The scheme has won the backing of one of Wales' most glamorous 60-year-olds - actress Ruth Madoc.
'I think the 60-plus Free Swimming scheme is a great idea,' she said.
'As you get older, it is important to keep active, both physically and socially. Swimming is a fun, healthy and safe way to get fit, as well being a good chance to catch up with friends.'
