Young Talent in Action at Guernsey Swimming Club’s 2025 Porpoise Gala
The Guernsey Swimming Club held its much-anticipated Porpoise Gala over the weekend, bringing together its youngest members for two sessions of exciting competition and personal achievement. Held annually, the junior gala continues a proud tradition that dates back to the club’s early days at the historic La Vallette pools. While the events have evolved to reflect the modern sport, the gala still honours its roots, with several trophies carrying names and legacies from generations past.
Among the most prestigious of these is the Curr Cup—awarded to the youngest swimmer who completes a 10m swim without stopping, assistance, or touching the bottom. This year’s winner, just three years old, was Miley-Reece Hicks, whose confident swim captured the spirit of the event. Miley-Reece also collected the Collingswood Trophy for the most points scored by a girl aged five and under competing in the small pool. The boys’ equivalent of the Collingswood Trophy was won by Albie Batiste.
The small pool also saw strong swims from the slightly older group of six-year-olds and above. Mia Moskoveca was awarded the Norman Trophy for her performance.
In the main pool, which featured distances of 25m, 50m and 100m, club swimmers continued to impress. For the 7 & under category, Lailee Loveridge earned the Norbrees Trophy, with Johnny Woodington taking home the Tiverton Trophy for the boys. Both showed promising signs of future progression within the club’s development pathway.
In the 8-9 years age group, Faye Castle secured the Boram Trophy, while Oliver Grierson was awarded the Brunswick Trophy after a string of strong swims. Grierson’s performance didn’t go unnoticed—he was later selected by the Guernsey Swimming Club Directors to receive the Lee Cup for the best overall performance of the gala, having accumulated the highest points total of the meet.
The 10/11 age category featured some tightly contested races. Lexi Rault emerged as the winner of the Alice Collins Trophy, displaying resilience and determination throughout. Jude Marley was awarded the Butt Trophy following a series of technically sharp swim for the most points in his age group.
Reflecting on the weekend, Head Coach Heather Jackson praised the effort and progress shown by all athletes:
“Their hard work in training is really showing in these results. Every swimmer who took part should feel proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Club President Chris Butt echoed those sentiments:
“The Porpoise Gala is all about our youngest swimmers. With much of the island’s sporting focus looking ahead to the summer’s Island Games, it’s important that we also celebrate the early stages of a swimmer’s journey. This weekend gave them that moment, and they truly delivered.”
The Porpoise Gala remains a cornerstone of the club calendar, celebrating not just winning but participation, development and a lasting connection to the club’s rich heritage.
(Albie Batiste unavailable for the photo)
Full Results: porpoise gala results 2025