Gold for Helen McRoberts in 5k
Open Water at Bosworth
Congratulations to
Helen McRoberts who won the
Midland Open Water Championships and Age Groups 2011 Ladies 5k
Event at Bosworth Water Leicestershire in a time of 52m
47s, representing Inverleith ASC.
Solripe Trophy Success
Congratulations to
Warrender Baths Club swimmers
and coaching staff on
retaining the Solripe Trophy for a 12th successive year
McNally wins
Scottish Variety Awards 2011
Craig McNally was the winner of the
'Best Up and Coming Scottish Sportsperson' at the
2011 Scottish Variety Awards on the weekend. McNally
received his award at a lavish reception in Glasgow
after receiving the most votes in the Sportsperson
category. Congratulations Craig !!
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Hat-trick of medals for disabled swimmer
Donald Gray
A
disabled teenager who relies on a wheelchair is
celebrating winning a hat-trick of medals at a major
national swimming event.
Despite being born
with spina bifada and unable to walk, high school
pupil Donald Gray has proved that once in the water
he is a force to be reckoned with – and the plucky
14-year old has just won gold for his country.
Having qualifed to
compete in the recent DSE National Junior Disability
Swimming Championships in Sheffield, Donald was
victorious in the 100m breastroke, and claimed
silver in the 100m freestyle and 50m freestyle.
And mum Rachel says
the dedicated youngster has now set his sights on
representing Scotland on a much bigger stage.
She told the Hawick
News: “Donald loves his swimming and was
delighted in Sheffield. He now wants to see how far
he can go, and his ambition is to reach the
Commonwealth Games, which spurs him on.”
The third year
pupil’s passion began at Wilton primary and he now
trains thrice weekly at Teviotdale Leisure Centre,
as well as with the national squad in Stirling every
month.
And Mrs Gray says as
the Teviot Turbo’s only disabled swimmer, he can
hopefully inspire other youngsters. She explained:
“I didn’t think he would be allowed in the club due
to his disability, until one of the coaches said it
wouldn’t be a problem. Maybe there are others who
think they can’t join in, but it’s more inclusive
than they think. Just because someone has a
disability doesn’t mean they can’t join in normal
activities.”
Mrs Gray says
Donald’s swimming continues to go from strength to
strength continually recording personal bests.
And highlighting
their round-trip up to Stirling each month, she
commented: “It’s a long journey but it’s important
to have that link with other disabled swimmers. He
wants to keep training and make sure he’s good
enough for the championships next year.”
And alluding to how
thrilled she, husband Chris, and siblings Moira, 16,
and Alisdair 13 are with Donald’s success, she
added: “As a family we are all very proud of
Donald.”
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