The Wirral Disability Swimming Development Group (WDSDG)
was originally formed to “bridge” a gap between disability swimming lessons and local swimming clubs.

WDSDG provide trained, experienced teachers and coaches and a programme of development to allow swimmers with disabilities to move into competitive swimming fitter, more technically prepared and familiar with the type of training they will encounter.

 

“Promoting and developing swimming opportunities for people
with disabilities and special needs regardless of ability or age”

WDSDG major successes have been:

• Formation of a strong, dedicated and knowledgeable organisational committee.
• Swimmer access from swimming lessons to WDSDG consolidated.
• Successful through route for swimmers into local clubs.
• Monitoring and support to clubs, coaches and swimmers.
• Disability awareness courses delivered.
• More opportunities for competition in liaison with both local sport development and national governing bodies.
• More swimmers competing in higher level galas.
• Route to regional training camps organised through British Swimming.
• Volunteer programme established and successful.
• Training opportunities promoted and funded for volunteers.
• Exposure to alternative disability sports available for volunteers through links to local sports development.
• Acknowledgement at national level of WDSDG achievements.

 

WDSDG ongoing developments:

• ASA Quality Assured CPD training courses for disability specific areas.
• Partnerships with Local Education Authority forums to develop further water based opportunities and to provide qualified support for swimmers with a disability
  to access school swimming lessons.
• Major ongoing funding procurement.
• Development of an aquatic disability sports club for health based activities other than competitive swimming.