The 2016 Enniskillen Lakelanders Invitational Gala, supported by Mercers Jewellers, took place at the Lakeland Forum with a plethora of personal best swims headlining a great day for the home club.
Indeed, 72 Lakelanders swimmers aged from seven up competed against a further 136 swimmers from Omagh, Strabane, Ballyshannon, Co Cavan and Sligo in individual heats across all four strokes and the IM as well.
Lakelander swimmers produced outstanding displays in the pool where every single one of the 72 swimmers achieved at least one personal best. In the nine and under section, Lakelanders swimmers Abigail Boyd and Annabel Morrison collected medals for the girls while Nial Bruce got on the podium twice in the boys’ section. 
The 10-year-old section saw Isobel Lannon, Anna McDade and Niamh Henry all collect medals for the girls while Patrick Williams took home a silver and bronze for the boys.
The 11-year-old section was dominated by Ellie McCartney and Jake Cadden, each taking home a clean sweep of five gold medals in all five events they competed in. Matthew Dolan also collected two bronzes in the 11 year old section. The 12-year-old section saw Ben Lynch collect three golds while Tara McKenzie collected two silvers.
The 13-year-old section saw Oisin McManus collect five golds in his five swims while the 14-and-over section was completely dominated by Lakelanders swimmers, winning all but four of the 30 medals available. Rachel Evans, Sorcha Lavelle, Caitlin Martin and Caitlin Love all collected medals for the girls while Lewis McCartney, Kealan McShea and Jack Maravelakis and Conor O’Hare dominated the medal haul for the boys.
Fastest girl on the day went to Rachel Evans who completed the 100m Free in 1 minute 6.2 seconds while fastest boy accolade went to Lewis McCartney who completed the 100m free in a time of 1 minute 2.2 seconds.
This was the first time our home Gala used a semi-automatic timing system and also the services of a Swim Ireland-qualified referee, Gary Stoops from Swim Ulster. 
Enniskillen Lakelanders would like to thank Gary for his invaluable input which really did help to keep the event running smoothly and indeed for finishing 15 minutes ahead of schedule despite the huge numbers taking part. These times can be used as qualifying times for the future galas these swimmers attend.
On behalf of all 208 swimmers, and the parents who travelled to the Forum on Sunday morning to represent the Lakelanders, Strule Dolphins Omagh, Ballyshannon Marlins, East Cavan, Breifne, Sligo and Strabane Riverside Otters, the Lakelanders committee wants to thank all the Lakelander volunteers who helped make the Lakelanders Invitational gala a great success for not only the swimmers who participated but also for the Enniskillen Lakelanders swim club. 
Jonathan Styles from Mercers Jewellers, who sponsored the event, stated “It was great to be involved with a local cross community sports group giving children the opportunity to compete against the best in the area. Mercers Jewellers are pleased to be associated with the gala and wish all the club competing good luck for the rest of the season.” The club would also like to acknowledge the support of the FODC and the team at the Forum. A special thank you goes to Lisa O’Hare and Noel McManus who between them headed up this fantastic event, as well as to the Lakeland Forum and the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council for their continued support of the club. If your child is interested in joining the Lakelanders there will be an assessment session in January – book by emailing lakelanders@mail.com