Serenity

Young swimmers with learning difficulties will taste life as Olympic athletes next year.

A seven strong team from the Borough of Kirklees Special Needs Club Squad is taking part in the Special Olympics National Games in Bath.

It is a big opportunity for the young swimmers, and the group has applied to the Examiner’s Wish Campaign to help with travel and accommodation costs.

If you treat yourself to a therapy with Joan at Serenity she will donate 50% of all treatment bookings taken during October and November towards the squad. Click here for treatments & prices: Winter Pamper Offers

HDSSG is also helping them raise funds by hosting a Body Shop Party and raffle on Friday November 30th at the Watershed, Bridge Street, Slaithwaite. Raffle prizes include a spa experience for 2 at Titanic Spa, a 2 month gym membership for 2 courtesy of Kirklees Active Leisure and hampers from Costa Coffee and WH Smith!

The swimmers taking part are Joanne Kempley, Jack Drennen, Ruben Reuter, Aisling Connelly, Zoe Rank, Rebekah Hill and Ben Sweeney.

The squad will be accompanied by two volunteers and the trip will cost a minimum of £375 per person.

Team manager Christine Kempley, mum of Joanne, 22, said “This is a great opportunity for the swimmers to be independent and be part of a bigger team. hopefully they will give Kirklees something to celebrate”

The squad have operated for about 10 years and helps young people with learning difficulties to keep fit and healthy, learn about competition and team spirit and meet new people.

“They celebrate each other’s successes and commiserate if things don’t go as well as they hoped” said Christine.

For some of our members it’s their only experience of being ‘first’ at something. It gives them a tremendous feeling of self worth and self confidence.