Para-swimming hopefuls set to compete this weekend

Liverpool will be welcoming 116 young swimming hopefuls from across the country this weekend as they take part in the National Junior Para-Swimming Championships.

This will be the first time the city has hosted the event, which takes place on 2-3 March at Liverpool Aquatics Centre.

The event is open to swimmers aged between 10 and 18 years-old compete in the short course event. Races will take place in: 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m Freestyle, 50m and 100m Backstroke, 50m and 100m Breaststroke, 150m and 200m Individual Medley, and 50m and 100m Butterfly.

Fern Ioannou, 15, who is competing as an S14 swimmer, said: “I’m looking forward to this weekend. I’ve been training really hard and the work I have done with my coaches has really helped me.

“My goal is to get personal bests and at least 600 BD points for an S14 event.

“Most importantly I’m looking forward to catching up with my swimming friends and enjoying the event.”

Exceptional event

Jane Nickerson, Swim England CEO, said: “We are once again extremely pleased to be working with the Activity Alliance to deliver the National Junior Para-Swimming Championships.

“The event last year was exceptional and gave many young people the opportunity to take part in a national swimming competition.

“I hope everyone competing this weekend enjoys the experience of racing against their peers.

“I am in no doubt it will be just as competitive as last year and that we will start to see some of the nation’s future swimming stars.”

Barry Horne, Chief Executive for Activity Alliance, said: “For many swimmers here this weekend it will be their first national competition experience.

“This is testament to the amount of work delivered at grassroots level to introduce new swimmers and grow participation.

“We’re proud to be bringing the event to Liverpool this year- our thanks go to Swim England, SOS and Liverpool City Council for their support.”

Tickets available on the day

Tickets are available on the day for spectators, with the first session starting at 10.30am.

Start lists and results will be available online. People can also follow the event conversation with the hashtag #JuniorParaSwim19.