Polar Bears bring home top prizes

Swimmers from the Blackpool Polar Bears - a local multi-disability swimming club based at Moor Park Leisure Centre - won a total of 15 medals at the Special Olympics GB National Games in Sheffield last week.

The teambrought home seven gold medals, one silver and seven bronzes, at the competition, which sees around 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities of all ages competing in a range of sports, from gymnastics to horse-riding.

Golden girl Chloe Crook won three gold medals on behalf of the Polar Bears in the 25m freestyle, 50m freestyle and the 4x25m relay, while Erin Green took home gold as part of the North West’s 4x50m relay.

Megan Crook won a full set of gold, silver and bronze medals, and teammate Ellie Sutcliffe won one gold and two bronze medals.

Michael Clark won a gold medal in the 50m backstroke, while Owen Boyes and Charlotte Foster took home bronze medals.

Head coach Emma Inglis said: “It was a fantastic week had by all and both myself as head coach and the other coaches are really proud of everything they all achieved over the five day event.”

Coun Maria Kirkland, cabinet member for sport and leisure at Blackpool Council, said: “The Polar Bears have yet again shown just fantastic they are.

“Not only have they gone to the National Games and come home with medals, but their attitude and approach to teamwork is always second to none.”