Schoolchildren have a splashing time at Carmarthenshire’s Disability Sports Wales Gala 2012

School children across Carmarthenshire have competed in this year’s Disability Sport Wales gala.

Some 77 swimmers from the county took part at the event held in Llanelli Leisure Centre recently.

This year’s gala saw entries form Ysgol Bro Banw, Ysgol Dewi Sant, Ysgol Gymraeg Ffwrnes, Ysgol Gyfun Gwendraeth, Ysgol Nantgaredig, Ysgol Pantycelyn, Parcyrhun Primary School, Queen Elizabeth High and Ysgol Y Strade.

Huw Griffiths Swim Wales Disability Manager was there to identify swimmers to go on to Learn to Swim Lessons, local clubs and galas.

Special additions to this year’s event were Paralympic and Olympic certificates and wrist bands, given to celebrate the international events taking place later this year.

They were presented to pupils who showed certain values, winners were:

• Inspiration- Lauren Larkin , Ysgol Bro Banw.
• Equality- Ffion Buckley, Ysgol Pantycelyn.
• Friendship- Warren Gower, Queen Elizabeth High.
• Determination- Tom Hill, Queen Elizabeth High.
• Respect – Matthew Evans, Ysgol Nantgaredig.
• Courage- Ryan Markman, Queen Elizabeth High.
• Excellence- Zak Thomas, Queen Elizabeth High.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Disability Sport Wales Development officer Lisa Pudner congratulated all the swimmers, and Austyn Shortman Aquatics Development Coordinator spoke to teachers about the Learn to Swim programmes taking place throughout Carmarthenshire.

Ms Pudner said: “It was an excellent event, thanks to Ian Howell from Llanelli Swimming Club for once again giving his time to be official starter of all the races. Thanks also to Sophie Pick and Sophie Mangano second year degree placement students for helping organise the gala and run it on the day, plus further students for time keeping. Also a big thanks to Manhattan Marketing for the t-shirts.”

For more information on Disability Sport Wales contact Lisa Pudner on 01554 744345 or LPudner@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

For swimming in the county contact Austyn Shortman on 01267 224700 or AShortman@carmarthenshire.gov.uk