Since the first Paralympics in 1960, swimming has been one of its main sports.
Men and Women compete in different classes depending on their level of function.
Paralympic Classification
- Classes 1 - 10 swimmers with a disability
- Class 1 is for swimmers with less function
- Class 10 is for swimmers with the most function
- Classes 11-13 is for swimmers with a visual impairment
- Class 11 is for swimmers who are completely blind
- Class 13 is for swimmers with some sight
The prefix 'S' is for the class allocated for freestyle, backstroke and butterfly
The prefix 'SB' is for the class allocated for breaststroke
The prefic 'SM' is for individual medley.
Para Swimming in the Bay of Plenty
There are several options to get swimming in the Bay of Plenty, don't let your physical impairment hold you back! The below contacts have experience working with para swimmers and are running programmes to include anyone who is interested in getting involved:
BaySwim – Baywave and Greerton
For Learn to Swim, group lessons, and specialised one on one lessons. We also offer race preparation for swimmers.
Please contact Rebecca Collins by emailing Rebecca.Collins@bayvenues.co.nz
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bopbayswim/
Liz Van Welie Aquatics - Tauranga
Please contact Greg Cummings greg@lvwaquatics.co.nz or 027 589 7946
For further information check out their website Click here
Facebook Click here
Tauranga Swim School
Please contact Andrea Sinden andrea@taurangaswimschool.co.nz or 027 286 8506
For further information check out their website Click here
Facebook Click here
United Aquatic Sports - Rotorua
Please contact Henk Greupink uas@clear.net.nz or 027 220 3470
Henk's programmes include: Paralympics - Swimmers with disabilities
Facebook Click here
Swim Training
For those of you who are looking to Learn to Swim...
CCS Disability Action have a great Swim School Programme for children and adults
swim.school@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz 07 571 4757. 74 14th Avenue, Tauranga
Freephone: 0800 227 2255 from within Bay of Plenty area (ask to be put through to Swim School)
Please contact the above Swimming contacts to find out times for sessions specific to their facilities