Cyprus Experience 2014

Swimming together with land training, often in gruelling summer temperatures, were daily rituals for the squad.  However, the majority had a goal in mind; the Sirens ASC Annual Training Camp, this time in Paphos, a coastal city situated in the southwest of the sun kissed island of Cyprus.

On Monday 8th September  121 swimmers, players and parents flew out to this beautiful island for an intensive week of training and races against Paphos Nautical Swimming Club. 

As the excited travellers gathered at Malta International Airport, The Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport arrived to wish everyone his very best wishes in their efforts on behalf of Sirens and, of course, Malta.

A challenging and rewarding programme had been prepared by Sirens coaches including twice daily training at the impressive Paphos Swimming Club.  The excellent facilities here featured a heated, 10 lane, 50 metre pool which formed part of a larger complex with an athletics track and a number of football pitches.   Training continued back at the Atliathon Resort with land training in the hotel’s excellent gym, which is regularly used by numerous national and club teams from all over Europe.

While their children were hard at work, parents enjoyed a well-earned break in gorgeous weather. Whether it was relaxing in the resort, swimming in the specially arranged parents swimming lane, visiting local attractions, or learning about the island’s romantic ancient legends, they were able to chill out completely in the sun, remembering wisely to keep as hydrated as possible at all times!
On day six of the camp, the Sirens squad took part in a Gala completion against Paphos Nautical Club, generously hosted by Mr Stelios Stylianou, President of the Paphos Swimming Club.  Results for Sirens were excellent with winning the majority of heats they have raced.

Swimmers and coaches alike were delighted with the results which only served to endorse their efforts during the camp.  Of course, the trip wasn’t all hard work with the youngsters having huge amounts of fun on a visit to a water park, (just to keep them in their comfort zone!) as well as paint balling and go carting sessions.  At the end of a fabulous week, the swimmers declared the trip ‘The Best Camp Ever!’