Regional Para-Swimming Squad – Assemble!!
This year’s Regional Para Training got off to a flying start this past weekend! The team gathered early on Sunday morning to begin their exciting journey into the 2022-2023 season… you can read all about their day below…
Team Manager’s Report:
The first of the North East Regional Para-swimming training sessions 2022-2023 took place on Sunday 2nd October at Catterick Leisure Centre. 20 swimmers took part and for some this was the first time they had had the opportunity to take part in an event such as this.
The day started with a strength and conditioning session taken by Tokyo 2020 Paralympian, Lyndon Longhorne. A lot of fun was had with skipping ropes during the cardio warm up and then the serious work began focusing on activation and mobility. The swimmers learnt the importance of incorporating these exercises into their training programme and also during competition.
Keith Hall (Regional Para-Swimming – Head Coach) designed the programme for the year ahead and was supported during the camp by coaches from around the North East Region:
Zoe Cowan – Richmond Dales ASC
Ben Gilchrist – Richmond Dales ASC
Sue Thorpe – Newcastle Swim Team
Emma Hughes – Doncaster Dartes SC
Dan Firbank – B-TASC
Gavin Chambers – Sheffield City SC
Joanne Thompson a parent from Doncaster Dartes SC, and Kylah Cowan a current swimmer from Richmond Dales ASC, were also on hand to support the team as poolside helpers. The 2 hour pool session focused on IM skills, transitions, stroke technique and race starts. Lyndon was on poolside to support the team, wearing his GB shirt to inspire the Paralympians of the future. His main message to the swimmers was “don’t give up at the first hurdle, it takes 10,000 hours to become a Paralympian, keep working hard and success will follow.”
After a short lunch break the swimmers had the privilege of listening to the London 2012 Paralympic Champion – Mens’ S7 400m Freestyle, Josef Craig MBE. Josef talked to the squad about his inspiring swimmer career. He outlined the driving forces behind his success and his pathway to the Paralympic Games. His motivating talk was truly inspiring and the swimmers were captivated by his story. Josef said “there are going to be challenges in your career, accept them and move forward if that’s what you want to do. The only person that can get you to where you want, even with all the support in the world, is you.” His talk was followed by a Q and A session and the swimmers had the opportunity to have a look at Josef’s Paralympic medal and MBE.
Keith Hall (Head Coach) said: “the swimmers worked really hard and showed good commitment in both the land and the pool sessions. Huge thanks to Lyndon and Josef and all the coaches representing clubs around the North East who came along to support, learn more about coaching swimmers with disabilities, and take what they had learnt back to their clubs.”
Kathryn Stephenson
Team Manager
Special THANK YOUS from the North East Regional Team…
To all Coaches, Helpers and the Team Manager for ensuring the day ran smoothly
To Lyndon and Josef for inspiring the whole squad to work hard and follow their dreams
To the Staff at the venue for providing top class facilities (once again!) for our camp
The next camp is scheduled for Sunday 13th November – if you are a para swimmer yourself, or you know of a para swimmer in your club who would also enjoy these sessions, please send an email to louise.graham@swimnortheast.org and you will receive an information pack!
