Another year, another trip to the British Naturism Swim Gala! While my partner Dave competed and mingled with other swimmers, I spent the evening cheering him on and having some interesting chats.
This was our second gala, and it was every bit as welcoming and fun as last year’s. The pool area was full of naked people of all ages – single people, couples and families. There was the same enthusiasm for the racers, the same loud clapping and cheering for those who came last.
This year saw some organisational changes. While the 2022 gala was well-organised, this year everything ran “like clockwork so there was no waiting around,” said BN President Mark Bass. And that’s with having to manage a crowd of 97 people, larger than last year!
Another great change was the new participation medals. According to Event Manager Mark Walsh, they’re made in the UK from sustainable oak and are carbon neutral. “This was important to me as the gala is about the have-a-go heroes, people challenging themselves and just having fun. This medal rewards everyone, not just the winners.”
BN Sports Officer Ian Munt was “kept on my toes all evening with the timing.” There were some close races and “we definitely had a competition going on.”
And the swimmers weren’t the only heroes! “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Events Team and other volunteers,” said Bass of the 18-strong team.
Bass praised “the balance that has been reached in the gala. People can compete and get their times, but the emphasis is on participation and having fun.” Sports is a core part of Naturism, and it’s great news that so many people took part and are now eligible for Naturist Team GB at the international Gala later this year, Walsh added.
P.S.: Dave won two golds!