2024 Primary Schools Inter-School Swimming Carnival – Webber Shield

The 2024 Primary School Webber Shield Swimming Carnival, held on 19 November, brought together talented swimmers from across the Burdekin district. With fierce competition from schools like East Ayr State School, St Colman’s, and Home Hill State School, the event was a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship.

East Ayr State School claimed the coveted Webber Shield, while St Colman’s won the Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points. Several new records were set, including in the 50m Breaststroke and Butterfly events. The carnival’s success was thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the Burdekin Swimming Club, and local supporters.

On Tuesday, 19 November, primary school swimmers from across the Burdekin district gathered for the highly anticipated Webber Shield Swimming Carnival. The event saw strong competition from students representing schools such as St Francis, East Ayr State School, Home Hill State School, Giru, Brandon, St Colman’s, Maidavale, Osborne, Kalamia, and Burdekin Christian College.

The overall winner of the Webber Shield was East Ayr State School, who proudly took home the coveted shield, presented by Alyson Robinson.

The Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points was awarded to St Colman’s, presented by Mayor Perina Della Court. This award recognises the school's impressive consistent performances across all age groups.

The following students were crowned Age Champions for their outstanding individual performances:
   • 9yrs Boys: Oliver Cavanagh (6pts), East Ayr State School
   • 10yrs Boys: Lewis Bonato (12pts), East Ayr State School
   • 11yrs Boys: Lincoln Bonanno (6pts), St Colman’s
   • 12yrs Boys: Reeve Scuderi (12pts), St Francis
   • 9yrs Girls: Ellanah Searle (10pts), East Ayr SS
   • 10yrs Girls: Taylor Chapman (10pts), East Ayr SS / Maddison Searle (10pts), St Colman’s
   • 11yrs Girls: Darci Colls (9pts), East Ayr SS / Mia Wicks (9pts), East Ayr SS
   • 12yrs Girls: Arabella Sangiuliano (12pts), Home Hill State School

This year’s carnival saw several impressive records being broken:
   • Girls 10yrs 50m Breaststroke: Taylor Chapman (St Colman’s) set a new record of 46.90, surpassing the previous time of 47.52 set by Makayla Pirrone (St Francis).
   • Boys 10yrs 50m Breaststroke: Lewis Bonato (East Ayr State School) broke the record with a time of 47.36, replacing the previous record of 48.31 set by his brother, Parker Bonato (EASS).
   • Girls 10yrs 50m Butterfly: Taylor Chapman (St Colman’s) also set a new 22-year-old record of 40.20, breaking Ellie List’s (St Francis) previous time of 42.46 from 2002.

A big thank you was expressed towards the Burdekin Swimming Club for their invaluable assistance in the running and setup of the carnival, as well as to Sage and Vicki from the Ayr Swimming Pool for their support throughout the event.

The success of the carnival would not have been possible without the teamwork of everyone involved, from the volunteers to the parents and teachers who supported the swimmers throughout the day.

With another successful year in the books, the Webber Shield has once again showcased the incredible talent and sportsmanship of our local primary school students. Congratulations to all the competitors, record breakers, and especially the winners!

Contributed with thanks to Lisa Bello.

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East Ayr State School were proudly awarded the Webber Shield!
Mayor Perina Della Court presented St Coleman’s Catholic School with the Max Tavasci Trophy. – BACK PAGE

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