Swim Ability Squad

Swimming for people with disabilities has enjoyed a growth in popularity over the past five years thanks in the most part to greater access to facilities and the provision of specific sessions. 

Runnymede Swimming Club, based in Thundersley, recently introduced the latest addition to their Club, the SwimAbility Squad. Heather Davis, Club Secretary and Maria Neary, Disability Liaison Officer, together with swimming coaches Cheryl Ellis and Naomi Pallier, have introduced a special squad which allows swimmers with learning and/or physical disabilities to swim competitively, as part of the Club. 

Research by the Club highlighted a lack of opportunity for learning disabled children to swim competitively. Working together with a local special needs school, Cedar Hall, a six-week introductory course was offered to the children, which was really successful. The SwimAbility Squad, trains alongside the Junior Development Squad on Saturdays, and swimmers are integrated to advanced squads as and when they are ready.  Two swimmers from the Club’s top squad, Chloe Davis and Patrick Neary give up their own time each Saturday to assist Naomi with the coaching the SwimAbility Squad. 

Naomi Pallier, who has devoted more than 20 years to helping disabled children swim, was recently named in the top three at a national award’s ceremony to find the Unsung Hero of the Year, organised by the Sunday Times. 

If you have a child with a learning or physical disability, who is confident in deep water, and who would like to join the SwimAbility Squad at Runnymede, please contact Heather Davis on 01702 478380 or email heather.davis@talktalk.net for more details.