Swimmers Trevor Nish, Dominica Cotter, Megan Isherwood and Ella Gardner have won medals at the Upper South Island Regional Championships, and qualified for nationals championships in 2025.
The four, members of the Mid Canterbury Special Olympics Swim Team, won a total of seven medals competing at Jellie Park, in Christchurch over the weekend of August 31 and September 1.
Nish, Cotter and Isherwood won two medals each, and Gardner one.
Coach Colleen Lindsay, assisted by co-coach Ann-Marie Wilson, said they did ‘‘exceptionally well’’ considering they had only been back in the water for three weeks.
Swimmers competed in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke 25m events against teams from West Coast, Nelson, Marlborough, North Canterbury and Motueka. It was a T2 qualifying event.
A total of 65 swimmers took part in the T2 qualifying event, to secure placings for the national championships on December 7 next year.
‘‘They have done exceptionally well, and that means they have qualified for the nationals next year,’’ Lindsay said.
She said another three members of the swim team will get the chance to qualify early in the new year.
‘‘We’ve got to work hard and get organised … the nationals will be in Christchurch.’’
She was keen to hear from anyone who may be able to volunteer with the association.
Meanwhile, the Mid Canterbury Special Olympics Association swim team are gearing up to host a ribbon day competition at EA Networks Centre on October 20. It starts from 9am.
The bocce ribbon day against North Canterbury, will be held on the same day, indoors at the Ashburton Club and MSA from 10am.
Spectators are welcome to attend both events and support the teams.
