Limerick to host global swimming competition

MORE than 300 competitors from as far away as Taiwan, India and Turkmenistan will take part in the International Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Limerick from September 3 to 10.

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) and the University of Limerick will host the event at the 50-metre pool at the UL Arena. The championships will draw more than 20 international delegations, comprising competitors, trainers and families.

Over a five-day period, swimmers will undergo two days of qualifying heats before the championship events commence.

Michael McCormick, of DSI said: “We are honoured to have been chosen to host the swimming championships, just as we will be honoured to host the World Down Syndrome Congress in 2009.”

Last year at the championships, the Irish team scored two world records, courtesy of Laura Jane Dunne and Maeve Phillips, as well as eight gold medals.