NEWS IN DETAIL...
Cornwall College BCS Watersports Championships
Watersports enthusiasts from all over the country donned their wetsuits and took to the water on 20th June when Cornwall College hosted the 2012 British Colleges Sport (BCS) Watersports Championships.
The national event, which was held at Tolcarne Beach in Newquay and Stithians Lake near Redruth, was a test of endurance, concentration and ability for all involved, as competitors battled their way through a series of gruelling heats to qualify for the finals in a range of activities: paddle boarding, surf lifesaving, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and gig-rowing.
Competitors came from Cornwall College, Exeter College, Bournemouth & Poole College, Richard Huish College, Truro & Penwith College, Gower College Swansea, Somerset College of Art and Technology, and Riverside College Widnes.
Tom Bolt, a second year Watersports student from Falmouth Marine School, who came second in the individual Kayak discipline, said: ”The turnout was really good, I enjoyed competing against other schools and colleges. It’s the first time I've competed at this event and it was great fun.”
Hattie Parker, a year 12 student at Richard Huish College added: “It was a great day, I really enjoyed the sailing and meeting new people."
The day provided some fantastic competition and produced some very high levels of performance, which made the finals a really exciting climax to the event.
The overall winners were Gower College Swansea, followed by Bournemouth and Poole College in second place and Cornwall College in third.
Russell Lawrance, Cornwall College Director of Sport, said: “This is the fourth year we’ve run this event and as ever we’ve had increased numbers and more participation. Cornwall College staff have put in a great effort today adapting to ever changing conditions and lack of swell which meant some competitions at Tolcarne had to be replaced by different challenges at the last minute. All of the colleges competing did their very best and it was an excellent day all round. I’m looking forward to what 2013 has to offer.”
At the end of the day all winners were presented with trophies and prizes to take home with them.
Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College said: “It was a delight to see so many students visiting the county to take part in and support the event. Congratulations to all who took part.”
The event was organised in conjunction with BCS by staff and students from Cornwall College and Falmouth Marine School.
