Registrations are open for British Blind Sport National Youth Swimming Gala

Registrations are now open for British Blind Sport’s ‘flagship event’, the National Youth Swimming Gala.

The gala is run in partnership with Swim England and provides the opportunity for visually impaired youngsters to take part and compete in a range of activities.

This year’s event will take place Solihull’s Tudor Grange Leisure Centre on Sunday March 12 and it is FREE to enter.

On the day there will be 25, 50 and 100m races as well as fun themed challenges such as BBS’s Jangle’s ball race.

There will also be the chance for newcomers to get a taste of the sport with swimming lessons for those aged 3-17 years old.

All swimmers will also have the opportunity to try out diving, with coaches from Swim England on hand to help learn diving techniques from poolside. For those that want to, there will also be the opportunity to try out the 1m springboard and 3m platform with the support of our coaches.

Attendees will also get the chance to meet visually impaired athletes that are a part of Swim England’s para-swimming pathway who will share their experiences to the next generation of swimmers.

You can sign up by filling in the online form on British Blind Sports website.

The Gala has now been running for more than 20 years and British Blind Sports CEO, Alaina McGregor, encourages all visually impaired swimmers to get involved.

She said: “The Swimming Gala is our flagship event. We receive such positive feedback, and we love seeing the difference that just one event can make in the lives of young people with sight loss.

‘Developing skills and sharing life experiences’

“We were delighted to welcome British para-swimmer Rebecca Redfern, who has won medals on the Paralympic, World and European stages, to our 2022 Gala.

“Our young members had the opportunity to ask Rebecca questions about her journey into sport, learn what it takes to be a Paralympian and be inspired by meeting such a successful VI athlete.

“We would encourage children, whether they want to gain confidence in the water or take their first steps toward competitive swimming, to join us at our 2023 event and achieve their potential in the water.”

Philippa Bass, NGB Liaison Officer for British Blind Sport, added: “The National Youth Swimming Gala is an important event for our young members.

“It enables participants of all abilities to develop their skills, compete against and socialise with others who share similar life experiences and ultimately become better competitors.

“The event is also a great way for children learning to swim to make new friends and experience swimming in a safe and welcoming environment.”

You can find out more and sign up for BBS’s National Youth Swimming Gala here.

For queries about the event or to sign up a group of swimmers, please contact Philippa Bass, NGB Liaison Officer on 07792 710 570 or email philippa@britishblindsport.org.uk