Open Swimming breaking records this weekend

National Open Swimming Championships 2003

DISABILITY SPORT ENGLAND IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE BIGGEST MULTI DISABILITY SWIMMING EVENT IN THIS COUNTRY WILL BE HELD ON 6TH/7TH/8TH JUNE IN PONDS FORGE, SHEFFIELD.

Approximately 350 Swimmers from across the world will be aiming to reach the standards in practice for the biggest event in the disability sporting calendar- ATHENS PARALYMPICS 2004. This event is rated second to the Paralympics, as the competition level is so high. Amongst the 24 countries taking part will be Canada, Norway, South Africa, Spain, France, Italy and Iceland.

Great Britain will be in fine form over the weekend with star swimmers such as Sacha Kindred, Giles Long, Andrew Lindsay, David Roberts, Elaine Barrett, Sarah Bailey, Danielle Watts, Nyree Lewis and Tracy Wiscombe. The event will highlight the fantastic development work in this country to count disabled British swimmers amongst the best in the world.

As the event is the best disability-swimming event in the country, DSE never hesitates to use Ponds Forge Leisure Centre. The facilities in Sheffield are of the highest standard, which allow disabled swimmers to perform in a world-class venue. We are also grateful to Sheffield City Trust for donating a grant towards the costing of this event.

This year Nationwide and Sportsmatch have also agreed to fund the regional swimming events. Nationwide has been a charity partner since initiating the Junior Sports Awards three years ago. We are also very grateful for their ongoing support.

Despite the success of this event, it is without a sponsor this year and we are desperately seeking corporate interest. The sponsor would relish in many benefits, reaching a worldwide clientele. Any interested parties should call DSE Head Office on 020 8801 4466.

Sessions at the National Open Swimming event will run as follows:

Friday 6th June 2003
18.00- 20.00

Saturday 7th June 2003
09.30- 19.00

Sunday 8th June 2003
09.00- 12.00

Media Contact: Sarah Marl  020 8801 4466/ 07739 518693

Disability Sport England co-ordinates 14 National Championships and over 200 regional events- making us the number one events agency in the country.  Our system for multi-disability competition is renowned and respected around the world. We are proud of the thousands of disabled sportspeople who are constantly coming through our programmes.