300 due to take part in Down Syndrome Swimming Championships

More than 300 athletes from places as far flung as Taiwan, India and Turkmenistan will come to Ireland this autumn to take part in the International Down Syndrome Swimming Championships, which are due to take place in Limerick.

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) and the University of Limerick will host the event, which runs from September 3-10 and will cater for more than 20 international delegations of competitors, trainers and families.

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

“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,” said Michael McCormick, CEO of DSI.

“The wonderful facilities at UL, both for the athletes and their delegations, ensure that this will be a truly world class event worthy of the national and international world record holders who will compete," he added.