National Junior Swimming Championships 2003

DISABILITY SPORT ENGLAND, SUPPORTED BY THE SWIMATHON FOUNDATION, IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE NATIONAL JUNIOR SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE HELD ON 8th-9th MARCH 2003 AT PONDS FORGE, SHEFFIELD. 

This National event is one of the most popular swimming events amongst 10-18 year olds who participate annually. This year we have relocated it to Ponds Forge as the event is increasing rapidly, boasting over 200 swimmers. It includes participants from Northern Ireland as well as first time swimmers at a National event.

To compete at this event, swimmers would have qualified at regional competitions. They will now take centre stage amongst Britain’s most prestigious junior swimmers this weekend.

Exciting talent performing over the weekend includes Gareth Duke from Wales. He returns fresh from the IPC World Championships in Argentina last December - his first international event. He had an outstanding performance at the National Junior Swimming Championships in Darlington last year, so this event promises to see even more development.  

Welsh star- Rhiannon Henry- is another bright young talent to watch out for. Others to make a note of are- Sarah Whitchurch, Rachel Latham and Matthew Whorwood, who all won Nationwide Junior Sports Awards last year along with Gareth.  

Nationwide will be again awarding sports bursaries to 4 talented swimmers- a scheme set up to encourage talent in young disabled sports stars. There will also be an official announcement of a brilliant new sponsor for the regional galas.  

Our swimming programme focuses on skills and talent development aswell as building confidence through the medium of sport. We also appreciate the continued support from the Swimathon Foundation, without whose assistance, we would not be able to provide top sporting opportunities for disabled sports people.

HOWEVER, all our national swimming events are in desperate need of financial support. BT sponsored the programme for nearly 20 years and made disability swimming the success it is today. Any corporate support is now being sought. Interested parties should call SARAH MARL or GORDON NEALE OBE on 020 8801 4466. 

At DSE we want to help realise as many disabled swimmers sporting aspirations as possible, enabling them to reach their full potential. If you are interested in swimming or want to take part in our events please contact our national office.

Media Contact:         Sarah Marl           020 8801 4466/ 07903 449545

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 millions of disabled sportspeople who are constantly coming through our programmes.