Sale Swimming Club recently capped off an incredible year in the pool with its 2025/26 presentation night, bringing members together to celebrate a season defined by dedication, community spirit and high-calibre competition.
It was a remarkably busy year for the club, with local athletes embracing opportunities at major meets including District 21 events, Camp 21, the All Juniors, and the Gippsland Championships.
The club’s record books were rewritten during the season, with Xavier Gray, Mackenzie Gibbs, Zayden Vine and Arki Vardy all smashing previous club benchmarks.
Major accolades headlined the evening’s presentations. Mackenzie Gibbs was awarded the prestigious Simon Whitford Trophy, while Arki Vardy claimed the Andy Barnes Trophy. Ruby Lazzaro took home the Megan Raine Encouragement Trophy, Xavier Gray was honored with the Shepherd Family Trophy, and Wayne Gray received the Bernard Peavey Memorial Trophy.
In the major perpetual categories, Xavier Gray won the Ashley Delaney Trophy and the Presidents Trophy, while Gibbs secured the Jackie Madden Trophy and the Executive Award. Zachary Gray was awarded the Tatterson Family Trophy, and Lucy McDonnell received the Wedlock Family Trophy. The Tom Osborne Swim Meet Trophy went to the duo of Lincoln Phillips and Ruby Lazzaro.
The future looks bright for the club, with coaches’ awards presented to Zachary Gray, Tatum Bonnett, Beau Bigham, and Hadley Light for their dedication to training.
Showcasing significant development in the pool, the most improved trophies went to Zayden Vine, Jemima Roberts, Axel Baker, and Mackenzie Shotter.
The club also recognised those who embody the core values of the organisation, presenting participation and team spirit awards to Oliver Dyer, Lucy McDonnell, Roy Wilkinson and Zara Brewis.
Gippsland Championship medal recipients were also honored across a vast range of age groups, from the club’s youngest stars to its veteran masters competitors:
– 8 and Under: Daisy Lazzaro
– 10 and Under: Ruby Lazzaro, Sophie Goode, Abigail Harper, Beau Bigham, Quinn Southall, Axel Baker
– 12 and Under: Harper Cann, Evie Whittaker, Martina Ma, Zayden Vine, Zachary Gray
– 14 and Under: Mackenzie Gibbs, Lucy McDonnell, Tayla Goode, Xavier Gray, Noah Garlick, Sam Dettbarn
– 16 and Under: Oliver Dyer
– 17 and Over: Arki Vardy
– 25 and Over: Deanna Dolbel, Jacqui Sinclair, Melissa Baker, Jenna White, Wayne Gray, Sam Forbes, Stuart Southall
Club officials expressed their sincere gratitude to the coaches, committee members, volunteers, officials, swimmers, and families, noting that their unwavering support and commitment is what makes the Sale Swimming Club such a successful and wonderful community hub.
