BBS hosted another successful Junior Swim Festival on Sunday 10^th November at the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Solihull, bringing together aspiring swimmers aged 3-17 for a day of competitive swimming races, swimming and diving lessons, and a chance to meet Paralympic swimmers.

The annual event featured the annual BBS Swimming Gala which included competitive races across multiple swimming styles, including backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Participants also had the opportunity to receive swimming and diving lessons from Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and Swim England instructors.

Following the competitive races, BBS was delighted to welcome three special guests to share their swimming journeys with participants and their families.

Paralympian and Channel Swimmer, Melanie Barratt, spoke to the children and their families about her journey into swimming, her experience at the Atlanta and Sydney Paralympics and her historic Channel Swim earlier this year.

Fresh from their debut at the Paralympics in Paris, Scarlett and Eliza Humphreys shared stories from Paris, offering participant's firsthand insight into the latest Paralympic competition.

It was great to have our three special guests there on the day to inspire the next generation of swimmers.

Feedback from parents/guardians of participants:

"Great team at this event, so many people giving up their time to put this event on! We don't underestimate the amount of preparation/organisation which goes into these events, and it was so well organised. We are so glad we found out about it and could attend; we would love to come again! Being able to have the opportunity to experience something new - jumping off the diving board and then taking on the 3m platform and to jump off that (when she wasn't even sure she wanted to try her diving lesson), this would not have been possible without the relaxed and no pressure environment!! It truly was amazing to see her take this on and conquer her fear! Amazing and thank you once again all it was amazing. 🤩"

"How much fun it was! Getting to meet new people. The gala races and being able to work as part of a team (relay). The opportunity to have a go off the diving board/platform (new experience). How relaxed it was and friendly. The guest speakers. I love my medals - thank you so much! It was all amazing 🤩 thank you."

"All of it but I loved competing in the races without feeling pressurised to win."

"Really helpful staff Relaxed atmosphere with a focus on enjoyment and participation for those who can't swim fast or aren't competitive. Like me!"

"I loved swimming with the ball and all the helpers were nice. I loved the medals!"

We would like to thank Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Swim England and New College Worcester for their continued support of our annual BBS Junior Swim Festival. We look forward to planning next year's event!