On Sunday 12th March, twelve Swindon Dolphin Para swimmers attended the ASA South West Regional Para Taster day at Horfield, Bristol. For a majority of the swimmers, who usually attend either the monthly Swim Link sessions at Dorcan or the recently formed Para Squad within Swindon Dolphin’s SwimSkills, this was their first venture into the exciting world of Para Competitions.
The day started with a training session with swimmers being led by coaches from around the region. After a break the swimmers were able to watch para swimmers from across the region compete and also got to meet Rebecca Redfern who won silver at the Rio Paralympics in the 100m Breaststroke. Rebecca is a S13 visually impaired swimmer.
The Swindon Dolphin Para swimmers took part in a taster competition competing in 25m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke races. All the swimmers did amazingly well and all competed in each of the three strokes in front of a large crowd of spectators. Giacomo and Ella swam fast times coming first in their heats. Courtney swam independently without a guide in each of her races for the first time. And there were big cheers for Brandon and Corey when they finished their races. The officials commented on how well the Swindon Dolphin swimmers did, their determination and the enjoyment which was evident on the swimmers faces.
Swindon Dolphin Para Squad with their certificates
The competition was Kerry’s first time acting as a guide for the swimmers that required support in and out of the water.
Joining the swimmers on their journey down to Bristol, also on it’s first outing was their team mascot “Splashy” the Dolphin. Although it was a long day it was very enjoyable and the journey home was much quieter than the way there.
