Southend hosts national schools diving contest

They are competing in the finals of the English Schools Diving Championships at the spectacular new venue at Garon Park, Southend, which opened on Monday.

The new World Class diving facility is hosting the thrilling event which runs from 10.30am till 4pm and features divers from primary school age up to the under - 19's.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture, Councillor Derek Jarvis says: "There will be a wide range of diving abilities from enthusiastic beginners to national champions showcasing somersaults and twists as well as the basic dives. It will be wonderfully exciting to watch!

"The divers will no doubt be seeking to emulate their hero, World Champion Tom Daley who dived in these same championships only a few years ago!

"Southend's new Swimming and Diving Centre has already been hugely positively welcomed and it is terrific that so soon after opening, it will be making such a major national impact!"

For these competitions the schools are divided into 12 divisions, with eight divers in each team chosen from the results of local schools trials within their respective divisional areas.  

Southend is part of division eight, which includes local young diver, Sasha Harding, 11, from Eastwood School, Leigh, who is competing in the girls Primary event.  

Coach Bill Clark said `This will be a tough and challenging competition for Sasha as she is up against some very experienced divers but I know she competes well and wants to do well  for her school and Southend.

"I hope all her school friends and youngsters from other local schools come along to support her and encourage all the divers - and see a sport they might like to try."