As the first Disability Sport Wales High Schools Swimming Gala got underway in Caldicot, Monmouthshire, this week... No one could deny there was a real buzz in the atmosphere. A total of 37 students from Caldicot, Monmouth and Chepstow High Schools competed across three ability bands. This enabled all swimmers with various disabilities, to have a taste of competing against their peers of similar ability. Caldicot became the first Gala Team Winners, with Chepstow finishing a close second to Caldicot. Monmouth, who had the smallest team, won the Team Effort Award.
Claire Lampan - Monmouthshire’s Disability Sport Wales Development Officer, who coordinated the event stated: "This is a major milestone in swimming for pupils with a disability in Monmouthshire. The event has been especially encouraging to organise with the help of Sarah Owen. Sarah is an LSA teacher from Caldicot High School, who is also a parent of Gemma Owen (13), one of the competitors’. She was such an enthusiastic helper and longed to see an annual gala set up for the students. I cannot stress how important it is for the sustainability of events such as these, to get teachers on board; it really was a wonderful day"
The Gala had a range of competitors such as Phillip Cochrane – Chepstow. Phillip is a prospective London 2012 paralympian for Wheelchair Tennis, and a member of the FDSWAcademy. This just demonstrates the interest and the vast range of abilities competing.
Natalie Parfitt – Monmouthshire’s recently appointed Swimming Development Officer supported the event and was also at hand to present each swimmer an individually, engraved award. Natalie announced she was "really encouraged to see how well the pupils competed and hoped to see them again next year"
