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Swimming club scoops glory at Special Olympics
A SWIMMING club has made a huge splash at the Special Olympics.
The Blackpool Polar Bears landed an array of glittering medals, with five gold, six silver and two bronze at Special Olympics Summer Games, held in Leicester.
More than 2,400 athletes descended on the city to take part in the competition, held for talented sportsmen with learning disabilities, and the victorious Polar Bears received their awards at the ceremony on Friday.
Lynda Inglis, chairman of Blackpool Polar Bears, who runs the swimming sessions with husband Stuart, said: "Six of our members qualified for the games 18 months ago, and we can't believe how well they've done.
"To get 13 medals was amazing, they have done us so proud.
"They all had to get through three rounds and all of them beat their qualifying time."
With their freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke skills, the six Fylde coast swimmers raced to victory at the games, held all last week, and returned on Sunday after staying at the University of Leicester.
Mrs Inglis added: "The games are very prestigious, the Paralympics are for physically disabled athletes, and the Special Olympics are for athletes with learning difficulties.
"We had some nerves on the day, but my husband and I, as well as three helpers, were on hand to calm them down. We are all still on a high."
Poulton's Courtney Holt, a 15 year-old swimmer with the Blackpool Polar Bears, won a silver medal for his 50m backstroke and bronze for the relay.
He said: "I have been with the Polar Bears for 10 years and I really enjoy it, it gives me something good to do.
"I did a lot better this year than I have done before."
Blackpool Polar Bears swim at Moor Park Pool, Bispham on Sunday mornings, and the six Olympians train at Palatine Leisure Centre, South Shore on Monday nights, and once a month, join the full squad in Cheshire.
For more information on Blackpool Polar Bears contact Mrs Inglis on (01253) 751076.
n Opinion – Page 10
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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