Barry Beavers celebrate silver jubilee - 21/12/06

 

The silver jubilee of a Barry-based swimming club for the disabled has been marked by a special presentation from Disability Sport Wales.

 

The silver salver for the Barry Beavers was presented by Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Nic Hodges when the organisation held a 25th anniversary evening at the town's Masonic Hall.

 

Since its formation in 1981, the club has met weekly, and members have won numerous trophies and medals at local and national galas.

 

One of the club's major qualities is its fun and comfortable approach to acquiring water confidence and learning to swim through the Halliwick Swimming Therapy method requiring an instructor to work directly in the water with a disabled person to improve confidence and control leading towards swimming movements. The method offers a holistic approach towards teaching, balance, motivation, activities, games, group dynamics, disability equality issues and swimming strokes.

 

Congratulating the club on their success, Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for the Vale Linda Ruston said: “One of the biggest attributes Barry Beavers has is the dedication of a group of selfless committee members and volunteers who give up their time to run and support the club."

 

The occasion was marked with a buffet and entertainment from MC/musician Norman Pereira, and past and current members, committee members and volunteer helpers were able to reminisce and share stories of the last quarter of a century.

 

To find out more about disability sports in the Vale, please contact Linda Ruston on (01446) 704728 or, alternatively, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk