This term is primarily used in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and South Africa.
In the UK swimming galas are traditionally held at the end of the summer and through the autumn.
As well as the usual swimming events, there are sometimes more fun or unusual events such as swimming backwards or varieties of mixed relays and special races are often staged for the group leaders.
Swimming galas serve several purposes including competition, fund raising [4] and social bonding.
League galas are a set of galas (often three) between different clubs where in each race points are awarded, and whichever club get the most points win and get promoted to the next division.