A large number of the DSS-GB squad will be heading to Newcastle Upon Tyne in late August for a five-day training camp. The Royal Grammar School in Jesmond has kindly offered the use of its first class training facilities. The excellent swimming pool will obviously be made the most of and full use will also be made of the fitness equipment and gymnasium.
Four days of training are planned at the school. There will also be an opportunity to visit the 50-metre swimming pool at Sunderland on Wednesday afternoon for some long course swim training. Along with the squad coaching staff, a number of guests will assist with the training and others will provide advice on a range of topics. A sports psychologist will present a session, physiotherapists Daniel Farnell and Darren Wigg from Newcastle Physiotherapy will give advice on pre and post swim stretching, Jo Barber from the North East Disability Swim Club and Katy Morrison from Swim North East will assist with the swim coaching. Many of the swimmers will use this training camp as preparation for the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation’s European Championships which are to be held in Sardinia in September.
As well as the training, the five days will also offer the swimmers and their families the chance to meet their friends from all over the UK as well as meeting and welcoming newcomers and visitors. There are two social events planned, with one being held in the function room at As You Like It in Jesmond thanks to the generosity of the owner Duncan Fisher. The second is to be held at the home of one of the swimmers, thanks to the generosity of the parents!
The training camp will be a very busy, productive and enjoyable event and will provide a good opportunity for the swimmers to prepare for the Championships in Sardinia. Above all, it will be fun.