Kids get chance to be first at Commie pool

A group of 30 lucky youngsters will be among the first to take the plunge at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, after the Evening News teamed up with the city council to offer the once-in-a-lifetime dip.

The winners will also meet Scottish swimming legend David Wilkie, right, who will present them with a medal to remind them of the historic day.

The Evening News recently revealed the first pictures of the revamped pool, which will open to the public on March 21 following a two-and-a-half year, £37 million refurbishment.

But the winners will get to try out the facilities at an exclusive ceremony the day before, to be attended by Mr Wilkie and Lord Provost George Grubb.

To have a chance of winning the competition, open to youngsters aged eight to 12, all you need to do is explain in up to 50 words why think you should be among the first to swim in the pool.

Entrants must be able to attend the RCP on March 20 with a parent or guardian and, of course, be able to swim. The winning submissions will be printed in the Evening News.

Culture and leisure convener Councillor Deidre Brock said: “This will be a wonderful opportunity for children throughout Edinburgh to make history by being the first to experience the fantastic new facilities at the refurbished Royal Commonwealth Pool.”

Operated by Edinburgh Leisure, the new pool is sure to be a haven for young swimmers.

A new 50-metre, eight-lane pool has been installed for community and specialist swimming, along with a 25-metre diving pool with moveable floor and a dry-dive facility with trampoline and springboards to allow divers to practice out of the pool.

The RCP also features new dry soft-play facilities, a refurbished and expanded gym and fitness studios and a redesigned changing area, meeting and conference rooms.

The main 50m swimming pool has been widened by 1.5m, and has a special boom so that it can be split into two 25m pools – allowing different activities to take place at the same time.

The RCP will host the diving events as part of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the British swimming squad have selected the facility as the venue for their final training camp in July ahead of the London Olympics.

HOW TO ENTER

Send in your entries and contact details to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 7 with RCP Evening News Competition in the subject box.

• Competition open to children aged 8 to 12 years

• All entrants must be able to swim to a minimum of 50 metres, tread water, jump in and be confident in deep water.

• All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Terms and conditions

1. Age Group eight to 12 years

2. We welcome applications from primary and secondary school children with additional support needs who are able to swim to the required standard.

3. Required Swim Standard – all entrants must be able to swim to a minimum of 50 metres, tread water, jump in and be confident in deep water.

4. There are 30 places available

5. All children must be accompanied by an adult who will be able to watch the event.

5. Permission to attend the event should be sought from the school and is the responsibility of the adult/parent/guardian.

6. All children should arrive at the RCP for 1.30pm. The event will be finished by approximately 4.30pm

7. All children should bring suitable swim wear and a towel. Swimming hats will be provided. Secure lockers will be available. Please bring a £1 coin which will be returned once the key has been deposited.

8. All children and their adult will be responsible for making their own way to and from the venue

9. Please note that parking is limited at the RCP and cannot be guaranteed.

10. Promotional photography will take place at the event. Adults/parents/guardians will be asked to provide consent for their use.