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Paralympic dream for British swimmer with Down syndrome at first national championship | Olympics News


Britain’s first swimming championship for athletes with Down syndrome could pave the way for them to be included in the UK team at the future Paralympics.

Last updated: 11/03/22 3:54 pm

Mark Evens' dream is to compete in the Paralympics

Mark Evens’ dream is to compete in the Paralympics

Athletes with Down syndrome will compete in their own Swimming Championships for the first time, which could pave the way for their inclusion in the UK’s squad at the Paralympics.

The competition not only helped swimmers win titles but also British records.

Hopefully that will shine a light on people with Down syndrome, making it possible for them to compete on a level playing field against people with Down syndrome around the world.

“I want to go to the Paralympics,” says Mark Evens, who has Down syndrome Sky Sports News.

“It’s been my dream since I was little. I’ve always wanted to go there. It will prove to others that I may not be a pretty face, but at least I can break a few records. green.”

People with Down syndrome can compete at the Paralympics in the intellectual disability category (S14). That band, however, is highly competitive, with others often being physically stronger.

Manager Neil Lacey is calling for change.

“The problem with Down syndrome is that they have learning disabilities, but also physical disabilities,” says Lacey. Sky Sports News.

“They are usually short in stature and poorly muscled. This competition will showcase our swimmers and show them competing to a very high standard in their peer group.

“We hope that translates to people who are looking at Down syndrome and saying, ‘Okay, this is a strong enough classification to say this can stand on its own or even belong in a sub-category. other types, this is not as difficult”.

“It’s really funny when you see some of our swimmers, fairly short, standing next to other S14 swimmers who are sometimes two feet taller than them.

“I mean they’re still playing hard and trying their best, but obviously there’s a physical difference there.”

Lacey’s son has Down syndrome. He says swimming has completely changed his lifestyle. Indeed, swimming is of great benefit to people with disabilities as there are no weight problems in swimming pools. It can also help build self-esteem and confidence, with many making lifelong friends.

I am very proud to be British. Whatever you want to do, whether you have a disability or not, you can do whatever you want.

Caroline Faithfull

Bursting with emotion, swimmer Caroline Faithfull said she couldn’t wait to win the British swimming championship.

“Our dream is to get a medal,” she explained.

“We want everyone to see, especially Boris Johnson and whoever is on TV. I want, not just for the team, but for me personally, my family looking down and saying, ‘That’s our man. I’m on the team. That makes us proud.”

“It makes me very proud to be British. Whatever you want to do, whether you have a disability or not, you can do whatever you want.”

Down Syndrome Swimming UK will take part in the World Championships in Portugal next month, before preparing for the British Championships in November.





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