Jersey’s disabled swimmers make it ten out of ten

Sunday 30 October 2016

Jersey’s disabled swimmers are celebrating their tenth successive victory over the old enemy Guernsey in the annual inter-Island clash.

In a close fought battle Swim Easy Jersey defeated Guernsey Marlins 413 to 331 away from home.

The Swim Easy team consisted of 17 swimmers, two coaches and four assistants. For many of the swimmers it was their first taste of off-Island competition.

The event – the only annual inter-Island disability competition – is run along Special Olympic/ASA rules with bandings so that swimmers of all ages and abilities can compete on an even basis.

Event founder Ken Sheehan says it’s great to see how the competition has changed people’s lives: “When I persuaded Guernsey all those years ago and organised the first Inter-Insular held in Jersey, little did we realise that it would go from strength to strength. It is now firmly entrenched in the friendly rivalry between the Islands.”

The event was supported by the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands. Jo Le Poidevin said: “I am pleased that the foundation’s grant has enabled Swim Easy Jersey to continue to compete in galas in the Channel Islands and the UK, and I am delighted to see the athletes compete with so much confidence and enjoyment.

“It was a stunning morning watching the swimmers take part in their annual competition with their Guernsey counterparts. Everyone competed hard and Jersey came out with their 10^th consecutive win which is very exciting.”

Jersey’s winning gold medal team were: Ian Le Maistre, Warwick Miller, Martin Boleat, Simon Routier, Hadydn Maguire, Ryan Le Monnier, Ryan Jones, James Brady, Sean Evans, Charlie Quenault, Fabio Cerviera, Pedro Nobrega, Jenny Cauvin, Jenny Crocker, Melaine De Lacey, Emma Le Selleur, and Elizabeth Morel.