GB paralympic swimming squad set for Darwen (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

GB paralympic swimming squad set for Darwen

10:40am Saturday 16th June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News

MEMBERS of the Great Britain Paralympic swimming squad will be competing in Darwen this weekend in preparation for London 2012.

The GB team will race against clubs from across the region – including Great Harwood Otters and Burnley Bobcats – as Preston Swimming Club brings its Guild Gala to Darwen Leisure Centre.

Hundreds of swimmers are expected to take part in the two-day competition with the Paralympic team sure to cause plenty of interest.

And there will be another Olympic flavour to the event as Preston swimming captain, Daniel Sliwinski – whose mother Christine Denton is from Blackburn – will attend to lend his support.

“The Great Britain Paralympic team have decided to enter the event as part of their training programme,” said Preston Swimming Club spokesman Dave Gilmore. “We are more than happy to be working with them and helping them to prepare for London 2012.”

He added: “The reason why the gala is in Darwen is due to its 25m pool and the fantastic facilities Darwen Leisure Centre offers.”

Sliwinski , 21, will be attending tomorrow morning to hand out awards along with Paralympic GB team member Jack Bridge, who is also a member of Preston Swimming Club, who will swim in the relay event.

The former Gallica swimmer qualified for London 2012 in the 100m breaststroke – for which he is also the British record holder – and the medley relay,