Sarnians record host of lifetime bests in pool

GUERNSEY'S Special Olympics swim team has claimed second place in the annual Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled Festival of Sport. Melissa Kenny received the trophy on behalf of the team from Paul Patterson, the main Games organiser.

The runners-up spot was a place higher than last year, when Guernsey took bronze behind Reading and Jersey.

'It was an important event as the competitors prepare to compete at the National Games, which take place in Glasgow in July,' said Debbie Le Noury, swim coach of Special Olympics Guernsey.

'The Guernsey squad gave every indication that they will do well, as there were many lifetime bests recorded.'

Competing for the first time in this event, Andrew Harrison and Ben Champion swam out of their skin.

Harrison, a world-champion gymnast, improved on his best in the freestyle by more than 22sec. as he sped down the lane without breathing once.

He recorded 23.06sec. in that race and then went on to knock 17sec. off his one-length breaststroke in a very determined swim.

Champion lived up to his name, recording 22.66sec. in the freestyle and 30.56sec. in the backstroke, both over 10sec. faster than he has swum before.

Amy Holland improved in all three of her events, knocking three seconds off her freestyle time and eight off her backstroke.

Matthew Vile lowered his best times in both his events, as did Simon Ozanne in the 25m freestyle.

Kenny continues to work hard on her backstroke and this has paid off as she too swam a lifetime best in this event.

David Parsons, as well as swimming in three individual events, came into his own in the relay, in which he helped Guernsey to further well-earned points.

Guernsey traditionally attends the Jersey Games as they have built up a good relationship with the teams taking part.

In this year's event, more than 300 athletes from around the British Isles competed in various sports.

'It was an excellent opportunity to meet old and new friends and compete in a wide variety of sports,' said Mrs Le Noury.

'The athletes gained in self-confidence, as well as having a sense of achievement and pride.'

In addition to swimming, Holland and Harrison received trophies in the badminton competition.

Guernsey won the penalty competition and the bowlers also brought home a trophy.