Lancashire Special Schools Swimming Gala
Ten schools take part in swimming gala at Salt Ayre.
Special schools from across the county came together at Salt Ayre Sports Centre in Lancaster to take part in the Lancashire Special Schools Swimming Gala.
The event was open to all special schools and children with disabilities in main stream education in Lancashire.
The main pool played host to traditional events, including the 50m front crawl, for children with moderate learning difficulties, while the smaller pool was the venue for an array of aquatic games for those with more severe learning difficulties.
The teams involved were: Loyne (Lancaster), Morecambe Road (Lancaster), Coppice (South Ribble), Torview (Rossendale), a mixed team from West Lancs, Mayfield (Chorley), White Ash (Hyndburn), Great Arley (Wyre), Pendle Community High School, Astley Park (Chorley).
The event was run by the Lancashire Competition Managers team, including Jane Sheridan and Dave Rohman, Jon Keating from the Amateur Swimming Association, and staff from Lancaster City Council.
These organisations were ably assisted by the local School Sport Coordinators, staff from the schools and volunteers from Lancaster and Morecambe College and Heysham High.
A special mention also has to go to the Lancaster and Morecambe swimming teachers Mandy Dobsz, Jean Lennon, Frances Morgan and Helene Downham, who were integral to the day’s success.
Stuart Glover, Leisure Development Manager at Lancaster City Council, said: “We were delighted to be able to host the gala at Salt Ayre.
“It provided an opportunity for children with a disability to experience a competitive event that others may take for granted, and most importantly to allow these children to come together and have fun.
“I would like to thank all those involved for their help in making the event a success.”
Jane Sheridan, Senior Competition Manager for Lancashire, added: “The gala was a great success and is a true example of partnership working; it was a real team effort. “Those involved really enjoyed the events and it was very rewarding to see both competitors and staff smiling as they left.”
Date Published: 15/05/09