THE 42ND INTERNATIONAL INF-ENC SWIMMING GALA AT PIRIAC SUR MER, FRANCE

The 42^nd INTERNATIONAL INF-ENC SWIMMING GALA  organized by the FFN with the technical assistance of the DFK at Piriac Sur Mer, France from the 8^th to 10^th November 2013.

The French federation (FFN) invited us to ‘The gala by the sea’. Fortunately the pool was on the same site as the lodgings so we did not have far to go to the pool. We were welcomed by the FFN, which was full of friendship and good nature and with the good spirit of togetherness.

All swimming competitors came together to take part in the gala on the Saturday. The competitors all have a fair chance in all the race’s which are open to women; men and children from the age of 10 years to 75 plus, covering 16 categories and the relays to try for the medals.

There were eight federations who sent teams from Switzerland (4), Spain (9), France (36), Italy (6), Poland (1), (Sweden, but swam for France), Great Britain (8), Germany (30), only France had the new increase of swimmers to 36.  In all 275 individuals attended the various swimming events made up of participants plus many supporters of the Federations as well as the technical team from the DFK.  It was pleasing to note we were up on last year by 80, however down in the number of federations taking part; this was mainly due to the location and the difficulty of the transportation.

Present throughout the gala was a naturist reporter and the federation photographer, (FFN) all the swimmers that won medals did not have to be photographed. As the Sports Officer I was honoured to present all the medals to the swimmers at the gala. I wish to say well done to everyone who took part, medal winners or not as you all achieved a high standard of swimming in all the styles.

he evening gala dinner was truly a magnificent night, which included belly dancing, a regional bagpipe band (l’irréductible Morvandelle) and a local band (SPAMS) who entertained the whole crowd, ensuring all the federations were able to join in a good end to the gala.

Thanks to Michel and his team for all the hard work for the weekend and we are waiting for the times of the races and the Photo-CD of the event from the FFN.

Jim Russell

Sports Officer EuNatCom

(Special thanks from Michel DELISE, FFN sport responsible)

By E-Mail to EuNatCom dated 12.11.2013 with request for publicizing

Good morning to all of you.

I think that you had a good return trip by now. I want to thank you all for participating to this Swimming Gala 2013. I regret that the weather conditions did not permit to visit the “Pays Blanc”, the salt marshes and the seabirds. Special thanks also to Jean acting during the last 3 months’ as translator, to Marianne and Andreas for the perfect technical organization during the competition, to Jim for his permanent presence, to the DFK referees and to all sportsmen who have represented their respective country very well.

See you next year in United Kingdom, I hope.

With naturist greetings,

(Michel)