Dozens of visually impaired youngsters are set to take part in the British Blind Sport National Youth Swimming Gala this weekend.
A number of fun and competitive activities will be staged at Solihull’s Tudor Grange Leisure Centre between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 5 March.
The National Youth Swimming Gala is British Blind Sport’s ‘flagship event’ and is run in partnership with Swim England.
It provides a ‘fantastic opportunity’ for young people who have a visual impairment to take part in competitive races over 25, 50 and 100m and also enjoy a number of fun events, including British Blind Sport’s famed team relay.
Held for more than 20 years, there will also be a masterclass held by a Swim England diving coach.
The event provides an opportunity to increase blind and partially sighted children’s involvement in swimming and direct them to clubs, as well as other opportunities within the sport.
Philippa Bass, Participation Officer for British Blind Sport, said: “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 those taking their first steps in becoming active to make new friends and experience swimming in a safe and welcoming environment.
“We receive such positive feedback from our Swim Gala, and we love seeing the difference that just one event can make in the lives of young people.”
Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport said: “The Swimming Gala is our flagship event and a day where we get to interact with our young service users and see how they are flourishing through physical activity.
“We’re thrilled to be able to return to the pool after last year’s virtual event to encourage more young blind and partially sighted children to participate in swimming and return to competitive sport.”