'Fantastic' disabled swimming club should be better used, says mum (From Watford Observer)
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'Fantastic' Otters Swimming Club for disabled should be better used, says mum
2:33pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater
Four-year-old Olivia Biggs, who has cerebral palsy.
The mother of a Bushey school pupil with cerebral palsy has said a disabled swimming club has given her daughter a "burst of confidence".
Gemma Biggs has been taking four-year-old Olivia to Otters Swimming Club, at the Venue Leisure Centre in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, for about a month.
The 38-year-old is now calling on other disabled people to join the club, which sees a range of people aged four to 91 attend each week.
She said: "The Paralympics have shown us that despite a disability, it is still possible to get involved in sports.
"Swimming in a non-threatening environment has helped Olivia in many ways. In the pool she can walk around independently, which she usually cannot do.
"I can tell her legs are stronger already. She has been trying to stand up by herself and is very determined. Hearing her squeal with excitement when she enters the water is amazing.
"It can be very difficult to find something to do with a disabled child so the fact that this club is available is fantastic – people should be taking advantage of it."
Olivia, who relies on the use of a wheelchair, attends Meadow Wood Special in Bushey.
The reception pupil said: "I love going swimming and making splashes in the water. I like going to the corners of the pool and climbing on the steps. I feel stronger in the pool because I can walk in the water."
The club is open to anyone with a disability and meets from 4.30pm every Saturday.
Comments(3)
Nascot
says...
8:09pm Wed 5 Sep 12
Reg Edit
says...
10:19pm Wed 5 Sep 12
for once we agree. My understanding is that able-bodied friends and helpers can swim at the same time at Sealions. I have been myself in the past.
Of course, for many people with what others might call a disability, they are able to swim at normal sessions with their friends anyway and are fully inclusive in society where they belong. That's the way it should be.
Reg Edit says...
3:11pm Wed 5 Sep 12
I recommend both to everybody that can make use of them.