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Junior Para Swimmers splash out in Southampton this weekend

This weekend (14-15 April 2018) will see over 100 young swimming hopefuls from across the country take part in the National Junior Para Swimming Championships. It will be the first time Southampton has hosted the event.

Swimmer in pool.

Organised by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and supported by Swim England, the unique partnership aim is to increase opportunities and talent development for young disabled swimmers.

The event will see swimmers aged 10-16 years old compete in the short course event, comprising; 50m and 100m Freestyle, 50m and 100m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, 150m and 200m Individual Medley and 50m and 100m Butterfly.

Emily-Jane Surgeoner, 11, who is competing as an S9, SB9 and SM9 para-swimmer, said:

“I have been training really hard for this event. I’m looking forward to seeing if all my training is making a difference. Most importantly I just want to swim well, my goal is to make a number of qualifying times so that I can swim at my first British Para International Swim Meet at the end of May. Of course, my other goal is to have improved on my overall times too.”

Jane Nickerson, Swim England CEO, said:

"This is a great opportunity for young swimmers to compete against other athletes from across the country.
“It was fantastic to see our Team England para-swimmers compete and win medals at the Commonwealth Games. I am sure their performances will have inspired some of those swimming this weekend to swim even faster. We may even see some of these athletes pulling on their own international cap at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“Swim England is extremely proud to be supporting this event and hope that everyone competing and supporting those taking part, have a magnificent weekend.”

Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:

“For many swimmers here this weekend it will be their first national competition experience. This is testament to the amount of work delivered at grassroots level to introduce new swimmers and grow participation. We’re proud to be bringing the event to the South coast this year- our thanks go to Swim England, SOS, Southampton City Council and Active Nation for their support.”

Spectators will be able to buy tickets at the venue on the day. Details are as follows:

 Event: National Junior Para-Swimming Championships 2018

Venue: The Quays, 27 Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1BA

Dates: Saturday 14 April – Sunday 15 April 2018

Saturday: Session one, race starts at 9am. Session two, race starts at 2pm

Sunday: Session three, race starts at 9am

Start lists and results will be available online. Follow the event conversation with the hashtag #JuniorParaSwim18.

 For further information, please contact:

  • Jannine Walker, National Events Manager. Email: Jannine  Mobile: 07725 273158
  • Laila Issa, Communications Advisor. Email Laila  Mobile: 07794 525034

 

Photo credit: Cerebral Palsy Sport