Borough of Kirklees swimmers have won loads of medals at two major swimming events.

The Para Performance Swimming Squad took part in the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Birmingham followed six days later by the Regional Special Olympics in Blackpool.

They came away with lots of medals from both events – 23 from the nationals including nine gold, three silver and five bronze.

In the regionals they won three gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze, clocking up nine personal bests along the way.

Borough of Kirklees Para swimmers who competed in the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Birmingham

A spokesperson for the squad said: “Teams from across the country came together for an incredible competition, united by one powerful message: I can.

“And these athletes have certainly shown everyone exactly what they can do. The team has laughed, cried, supported one another, celebrated each other’s achievements and, most importantly, had fun.

“They’ve created memories that will last a lifetime and formed friendships that will continue long after the medals have been packed away.

“Despite the challenges, our Para team demonstrated resilience, determination, courage and true grit, proudly representing Team BoK and giving everything they had in the pool.’’

The Birmingham team was Zoe Rank, Isaac Clegg, Ruben Reuter, Aisling Connolly, Alice Goddard and Waleed Shaukat.

The Blackpool team (pictured at the top of the story) was Jack Drennan, Alwi Flaye, Zoe Rank, Isaac Clegg, Ruben Reuter, Aisling Connolly, Alice Goddard and Waleed Shaukat.

Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content, copywriting and ghost-writing autobiographies.