Swim England Competitive Swimming Hub
Search
'Hugely successful' DiSE Dubai camp delivers 'fantastic learning experience'

'Hugely successful' DiSE Dubai camp delivers 'fantastic learning experience'

February 21, 2022

The recent DiSE offshore camp to Dubai has been deemed a ‘fantastic learning experience’ for the athletes, support staff and coaches alike.

The group of 95 swimmers travelled to the city of gold earlier this month for a training camp which was followed by three days of competition at the Middle East Open and Junior Championships.

The team were welcomed in Dubai by Hamilton Aquatics, one of the nations’ leading swimming clubs, to their home training facility at the Hamdan Sports Complex.

A successful weekend of racing saw the team being named as the top visiting programme for the competition after they amassed a total of 1219.50 points for their efforts across the three days.

DiSE athletes Ella Dyson and Calvin Fry were also named as the top female and male performers of the event.

‘Hugely successful’

Darren Sims, DiSE assessor manager, commented on the success of the trip: “The trip was hugely successful and it was fantastic to be a part of.

“We feel privileged to have been able to take these young athletes away for an experience like this – one that was filled with so many learnings and opportunities.

“Helping them prepare for the meet and then watching them perform at their very best was truly brilliant to witness, both as a coach and a mentor.

“We would also like to say a massive thank you to Hamilton Aquatics for facilitating a para-swimming final which gave more of our DiSE athletes a chance to compete in an international final.

“We hope every one of the swimmers found the trip both beneficial to themselves as athletes and also incredibly enjoyable as individuals part of a great team.”

‘Fantastic learning experience’

Richard Blackshaw, Swim England head of swimming talent, was also in attendance and said: “This is arguably the most successful DiSE offshore camp yet.

“It was a fantastic learning experience for the athletes and a superb chance for them to excel on the international stage.

“They were exposed to new arena skills such as post-race interviews which will be really valuable for them as they transition from junior to senior swimming.

“This trip also forced them to be adaptable and overcome some of the challenges posed by travelling long distances just days before getting behind the blocks to race.

“Swim England and the DiSE team would like to express our thanks to everyone who helped make this trip come to life and for all the support and guidance offered by the staff and coaches who travelled with the team.”

Top