Swimming: Disability Development Day

Picture shows : Borders Barracudas disability swim squad
Beth Johnson, Louise Johnson (adult) front Donald Gray and right Finlay Lindores. — Picture shows : Borders Barracudas disability swim squad Beth Johnson, Louise Johnson (adult) front Donald Gray and right Finlay Lindores.

Borders Sport and Leisure is to organise a special Disability Swimming Development Day at Teviotdale Leisure Centre on Saturday 7th May.

The event is free and open to all young people with a disability aged between four and sixteen.

It will provide an introduction to the variety of swimming opportunities available in the region with the chance to participate in a range of pool sessions led by qualified and experienced teachers and coaches.

Alan Oliver, BSL Disability Development Officer said: “We have developed a comprehensive pathway to promote opportunities for swimmers with a disability across the Borders. Our programme is unique, meaningful and appropriate to the aspirations of the swimmers. Whether they want to learn to swim or have ambitions compete, they can access the pathway at any stage. This day is perfect for families looking to find out more about disability swimming opportunities in the Borders.”

The day is being held in association with Scottish Swimming and Scottish Disability Sport. Two sessions will take place: 10am - 11am for those with a physical or sensory impairment and 11am - 12 noon for those with learning disabilities.

The Scottish Borders is unique in the country for having in place a swimming programme that can take young people on a pathway right through from learning to swim to competing as part of the regional disability swim squad - the Border Barracudas. Individuals can enter the programme at any stage and choose to stay at any level - from simply swimming for enjoyment to joining the Barracudas squad. It is open to all disabilities and enables individuals to progress at their own pace regardless of their impairment by focusing on stroke adaptations relevant to their particular needs.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure added: “We are constantly looking to encourage people all ages and abilities to enjoy swimming. This swimming development day is about enabling young swimmers with a disability to increase their confidence levels in a pool environment. The coaches will be looking to work with them to adapt/develop stroke techniques with the overall aim of enabling them to participate regularly in disability group or mainstream swimming sessions.”

For more information on the Disability Swimming Development Day or to book a place on one of the sessions please contact Alan Oliver, Borders Sport and Leisure - email: [email protected], tel: 01896 661 166.