Hamilton Fish Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, September 5, 2007

On Your Mark! Kids Compete In The Five Borough Swimming Championship

On August 11, the 8th annual Five Borough Swimming Championship was held at Hamilton Fish Pool, on Pitt Street and Houston Street in Manhattan.

More than 300 young swimmers between the ages of 6 and 18 turned out from all across the city. The participants trained throughout the summer at 33 outdoor pools. They first proved their ability to swim 25 yards in reasonably good form during tryouts. All of their hard work culminated in their representing their home boroughs at the championship meet. Events were held in freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke.

The competition was fast and furious and in the end, Brooklyn emerged as the winner. Queens came in second place, followed by Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx.

The young swimmers were met with a ceremony befitting the event's celebratory significance. Assistant Commissioner for Recreation Nancy Barthold addressed the swimmers and their parents at the opening ceremony, and First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh presided over the closing ceremony by presenting trophies to members of the Brooklyn team.

Win or lose, all enjoyed the camaraderie of their peers and an opportunity for tremendous exercise. Any young swimmers who want to participate at next year's meet, should keep their eyes peeled for information on the Parks website: www.nyc.gov/parks.

"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."

(1561 – 1626)