Talented junior swimmers from across the region represented Dumfries and Galloway at the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) National Swimming Championships for Junior Swimmers with a Learning Disability.
The event took place at Tollcross Leisure Centre in Glasgow
The swimmers were chosen to represent the region following a regional qualifying competition held at Annan Swimming Pool for east of the region swimmers and the Merrick Leisure Centre for swimmers from the West in September.
More than 400 swimmers from all over Scotland attended the national championships, with the team of 29 children from Dumfries and Galloway all having a thoroughly enjoyable day, coming home with a amazing total of 25 medals: 10 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze.
Gold Medal winners:
Rhys Handleigh from Dumfries High in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly
Cameron Bell from Annan Academy in the 25m Backstroke
Nicole Tranter from Maxwelltown High in the 25m Backstroke
Logan Speirs from Park Primary in the 25m Backstroke and 25m Butterfly
Ellie Edwards from Stranraer Academy in the 25m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle
William Ferguson from Stranraer Academy in the 25m Freestyle
Alastair Marshall from Stranraer Academy in the 25m Freestyle
Silver medals winners:
Kiri Bryant from Dumfries Academy in the 25m Backstroke
William Ferguson from Stranraer Academy in the 25m Backstroke
Rhys Handleigh in the 50m Backstroke
Cameron Hunter from Stranraer Academy in the 25m Breaststroke
Hayden Keir from Annan Academy 50m Butterfly
Logan Speirs in the 25m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle
Umar Asif from Noblehill Primary in the 25m Freestyle
Bronze medal winners:
Rhys Handleigh in the 100m Individual Medley and 50m Breaststroke
Alistair McGarva from Starnraer Academy in the 25m Backstroke
Becca McDonald Kirk from Park Primary in the 25m Backstroke
Heather McColm from Dumfries Academy in the 25m Freestyle
Josh Campbell from Lochamben Primary in the 25m Freestyle
Nicole Tranter in the 25m Freestyle
Other members of the team who represented the region and narrowly missed out on medals were:-– Annan Academy:- Lukasz Walkusz- Dumfries Academy:- Karla Nivison – Stranraer Academy:- Shannon McCusker and Liam Dougan – Lockerbie Academy:- Fraser Nodwell- Hottsbridge Primary:- Eleanor Little – Lochmaben Primary:- Lewis Nixon – Wallace Hall Primary:- Neil Paterson – Maxwelltown High:- Jack Bryden and Annandale & Eskdale Disability Sport:- Lennon Hughes
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee, said: “Being inclusive is a priority for our Council so it was a particular pleasure to hear of the participation and achievements of these young sports people. It’s obvious to see how significant sport is in the lives of these young athletes. They are a credit to our region and an inspiration to us all. “
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for all involved. Dumfries and Galloway has been represented by some exceptional swimmers at this event. It’s crucial that we continue to support and encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport .”
Dumfries and Galloway Disability Sport, working in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council, organised the team. Rhuri Paton, the Council’s Disability Sport Development Officer, said: “Congratulations to all the swimmers on their exceptional performances and thank you tothe local swimming teachers and coaches for all their hard work in preparing the swimmers, and to the carers and parents who helped assist on the day of the event.”
For more info contact:
Rhuri Paton
Disability Sport Officer (West)
Children, Young People & Lifelong Learning (CYPLL)
Dumfries and Galloway Council
m:: 07845 659 532
t: 01776 703 535
e: [email protected]
