Friday’s forecast called for a high of 86 degrees, which made it perfect for kids to jump in the pool at the Stamm Family Invitational, hosted by the Vicksburg Swimming Association.

The Stamm Family invitational is unlike other swimming meets. Swimmers 12 and under competed in 25- and 50-yard variations of events such as butterfly, freestyle, breast and backstroke. Swimmers also competed in a 100-yard relay.

“It’s been a good day and we had a good turnout for the event,” said head coach Mathew Mixon.

Mixon felt good about the first day and said this was one of the biggest sessions in the last five or six years at the event.

Another thing that separates this invitational from others are the breaks in competition kids get. Portions of the Vicksburg City Pool saw kids swim with friends, practice for their next event or just relax.

“Kids really loved taking the breaks and getting their medals and awards on a podium,” Mixon said. “I think they’re having fun.”

He said that all the other teams in attendance were impressed by the medal recognition and awards ceremony.

“A lot of meets we go to they swim and give their medals to coaches in a bag. Its always good to be recognized in front of your peers.”

VSA had several swimmers seeded in first place in events such as the 25-yard backstroke for boys and girls 6 and under; the 25-yard freestyle for boys and girls 6 and under; 11-12 girls breaststroke. Mixon said everybody who was seeded first held on to his or her spot in the tournament.

Sarah Figarola, mother of Tulio Figarola, was proud to see her son place in two events. Figarola can see her son’s self-confidence grow and see him forming friendships with his teammates. Figarola said getting her son involved with athletics at an early age helps him as an adolescent because he has a focus.

“It gives him something to do and stays out of trouble,” Figarola said.

Figarola credits Mixon with getting her son involved. Tulio was taking private swim lessons at first for safety reason then Mixon asked her if she wanted to get involved with team swimming and now Tulio has been swimming with VSA for a year.

Tulio placed first in the 6 and under boys 25-yard butterfly and backstroke. Tulio was excited about winning, had fun swimming the first day of the event and knows the team has to work hard as they compete for the next two days.

Mixon said all the kids impressed him on the first day and they show promise. Mixon said every kid in the invitational is there for different reasons. Some are there for personal improvement, exercise and fellowship.

“I don’t think they’re so competitive that they are not having fun anymore,” Mixon said. “Kids can turn it on and off. They can go from being serious, to having a Popsicle and play, and going back to competition mode. That’s what it’s all about with this age group…bringing back the fun to swimming.”