By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice
On Saturday 18th May, Scottish Disability Sport hosted their Senior Learning Disability Swimming Championship at Highlife Highland’s Aquadome facilities, located in the capital of the Highlands.
The day saw twelve teams make the trip up north, with a grand total of 121 individuals turning up to compete.
The day started well with participants, coaches, supporters and parents feeling excited for the day of swimming. Josie, one of the coaches, explained how some of her team were feeling: “they have been so excited for weeks, just to compete in this competition.”
“I get such a buzz from this competition. I just love seeing all the other clubs here taking part. I think it’s just wonderful that they get the chance to participate in competitive sport, I just love it.”
This sense of real excitement was shared by Ian and Adam, two swimmers from Inverness who said they were, “so proud to be here and swimming for Team Highland.”
Ian, who competed in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke, went on to say: “I am desperate to get the cup back home for Team Highland. There is a real community here in the team.”
The morning session saw Team Glasgow take the lead narrowly ahead of Team Highland, followed by Team Grampian.
Team Glasgow kept adding to their medal tally in the afternoon, including a silver medal won by Lynne in the breaststroke. She said that she was, “feeling good and happy. I’m looking forward to cheering on my teammates.”
This sense of enjoyment was shared by Scott’s parents who travelled over with Team Grampian. They said, “It is just great to be able to watch him succeeding in something that he enjoys doing.”
They continued to say, “swimming is a great way for him to exercise, keeping healthy whilst not putting too much strain on [his] joints.”
The afternoon also saw personal records being broken, with Rory from Team Highland, shaving 0,05 seconds off his PB in the backstroke – good enough for silver.
“I am happy to win the medal for the team, it feels good”, said Rory.
Dundee Discovery was also represented at the championships and found themselves on top of the podium on several occasions.
Two swimmers from Dundee Discovery, Maria and Alwin, both won a gold and silver medal. When asked about their highlight of the day, they said: “taking part and being part of a team.”
Maria went on to say, “I would like to thank my coaches, Eileen and Jen, along with all the helpers. They’ve done a great job.”
A further Dundee Discovery swimmer that found the podium on multiple occasions, was Taylor. Reflecting on the day, he said, “I won five medals today, in 100m freestyle, 100m individual medley, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly”, said Taylor.
He continued to say, “I think my favorite part of the day has to be the atmosphere within the teams.” Adding, that he was looking forward to, “getting to celebrate with the team, having some fun and enjoying the bus journey back home.”
After an eventful afternoon session, Team Glasgow held on to the lead and claimed the Kintore Trophy. Team Highland had to settle for second place with Team Grampian completing the top three spots.
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) would like to thank everyone who came, took part and added to the amazing atmosphere. SDS would further like to thank the Motability scheme and The Highland Council’s Inverness Common Good Fund for their support throughout the day.
If you would like to find out more about future events, please click here.