Junior Para-Swimming Championships return for first time in two years

The Activity Alliance National Junior Para-Swimming Championships return for the first time in two years this weekend – with more than 60 youngsters set to take part.

Held in partnership with Swim England, the event will take place at Coventry’s Alan Higgs Centre on Saturday 18 June.

The championships are a starting block for national competition for many youngsters and a number of top world and Paralympic medallists discovered their talent at this event. 

It was last held in 2020 – a week before the first lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Competitors aged between 10 and 18 will take part in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley short course races.

Kirsty Clarke, Activity Alliance’s director of business development and innovation, said: “We are delighted to see the return of the National Junior Para-Swimming Championships event this year. 

“For so many young para-swimmers, events like these are important now more than ever, especially as the sector looks to recover from the pandemic. 

“It is crucial new young talented disabled people can develop in every sport, should they want to. 

“Those gold-winning moments at elite competitions are important, but so is the greater purpose, to support more disabled people to reap the wider benefits of being active.  

“These Championships are a testament to the amount of work delivered at grassroots level that introduces new swimmers and grows participation. 

Thoroughly enjoyable

“Our thanks go to Swim England, CV Life and City of Coventry Swimming Club for their support with this event.”

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, added: “It’s great to see the National Junior Para-swimming Championships return after a two-year hiatus.

“So many people have been denied the opportunity to take part in the events they love because of the coronavirus pandemic and there will be plenty of excited young swimmers relishing the chance to compete in these championships.

“We hope all those taking part will have been inspired by our elite para-swimmers currently excelling at the World Para-swimming Championships in Portugal and be keen to emulate their achievements.

“Swim England is always proud to support the Activity Alliance with this event and I’m sure all those competing and everyone cheering them on will have huge smiles on their faces throughout.  

“I look forward to seeing how everyone gets on at what will be a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Two sessions will be held during the championships starting at 12 noon and 3.30pm

Spectators will be able to purchase tickets at the venue on the day.

Start lists and results will be available online on the day of the event and spectators can follow the event conversation on social media with the hashtag #JuniorParaSwim22.

For more information, visit the Activity Alliance website.

Picture: SWpix.com