Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds visits Special Olympics swimming gala in Hull

More than 100 swimmers from across the country got to meet five-time Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds at the Special Olympics City of Hull swimming gala.

The event at Beverley Leisure Centre is one of the country’s biggest sporting competitions of the year for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with athletes from around the country aged from eight to 50. Ellie said: “There’s so much joy on the faces of the athletes taking part.

“It’s been fantastic to meet so many of them, their coaches and the volunteers who have made this event happen in Beverley. Anyone can swim and today we’re seeing such a range of different ability levels, including athletes who need a little support entering the water and some athletes who are diving and swimming fast over a long distance."

READ MORE: Five East Riding swimming pools get almost £500,000 lifeline amid rising running costs

Ellie added: “I’m a passionate believer that everyone should have the opportunity to move and take part in sport. It has given me so much in my life, such as the physical fitness elements, building confidence, being part of a team and so many characteristics that define who I am today. It’s rewarding to be part of such an inclusive event.”

The Special Olympics City of Hull gala event was delivered by a team of 35 volunteers from the host club, with support from deodorant brand Sure and its "Breaking Limits" programme. Bríd Loubani, of Special Olympics City of Hull, said: “Ellie is a fantastic role model and we’re very grateful to have her here, through Sure Breaking Limits, meeting athletes and learning about their individual journeys in sport.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in sport. We have a team of volunteers at Special Olympics City of Hull who not only create big events like this gala, but provide regular swimming and gymnastics training each week for local people with intellectual disabilities. Through sport, our athletes gain so much, with opportunities to compete, locally, regionally nationally and some even compete overseas. It's not just about being an elite athlete, we are passionate about including all levels of ability and strength.”

The organisation is keen to grow and support even more athletes in the Humber region and would welcome more volunteers. Special Olympics City of Hull’s weekly swimming sessions take place from 2.45pm to 3.45pm every Saturday at Woodford Leisure Centre, Holderness Road, with gymnastics from 7pm to 8pm every Monday at the Tigers Trust. Please email Janet Nolan at janet@nolan5.karoo.co.uk for further details.