Dolphins Para Squad Medal Success at Horfield

Saturday 20th October saw the Swindon Dolphin Para Squad travel to Horfield to take part in the Swift Inclusive Swimming Gala. For most of the swimmers this was their third visit to the Swift Gala and the friendly rivalry between Dolphins and City of Bristol was evident. However for Alice, Rose, Amelie, Maya and Freya this was the first time that they had travelled to compete in a gala. Alice swam exceptionally well and made her wins in freestyle and backstroke look effortless earning her praise from coaches from other squads. Rose thoroughly enjoyed her swims and was very proud of her gold and bronze medals.

Sisters Maya and Freya have only recently joined Dolphins with Maya swimming well to win 4 medals, while Freya swam her first 25m event without swimming aids. Amelie took charge of the heat list and demonstrated great organisational skills and is clearly a Team Manager in the making!

Joining the squad as an honorary Dolphin for the day was GB Downs Syndrome swimmer Holly Sullivan who enjoyed telling us about her recent success at the Championships in Canada.

Thirteen swimmers took part in a total of 48 events resulting in a great medal haul of 15 gold medals, 6 silver and 10 bronzes. The efforts of two of our swimmers did not go unnoticed and the Amarelle Cups for Junior Female Endeavour and Junior Male Endeavour were awarded to Courtney and Corey. Both swimmers swam their very best and thoroughly deserved the recognition for their performances.

Thanks also go to Tony and Heather who were assisting poolside for the first time as Team Managers and Chaperones; and Esther who was supporting swimmers in the pool for the first time.