Hard yards in pool pay off

Special Olympics Wairarapa is aiming high with its swimming group.

Coach Gaylene van Wijk says the prime objective is to field a team under the Wai Toa Swim Club banner at the national championships in Dunedin in November 2013 and she considers they are on target to achieve that goal.

There are 14 competitive swimmers in van Wijk's Special Olympics squad and they made a strong showing at an aquatics event held at Stokes Valley last weekend with all achieving personal best times.

They were competing in their various age groups with each swimmer required to swim in three races as well as a relay.

It is hoped several Wai Toa members will qualify for a regional medal event to be held in Levin on September 15 and 16. As part of the qualifying process, swimmers must complete at least 10 hours of training before competition.

Special Olympics Wairarapa is by no means confined to swimming, however.

This weekend, 22 aspiring 10-pin bowlers will be going through their paces at the Masterbowl.

And they are also keen to provide opportunities for participation in many of the other sports on the Special Olympics calendar, such as athletics, basketball, equestrian, football, golf, indoor bowls, powerlifting and table tennis.