Special Swimming Gala

On 29 March 2025 Billericay Lions were pleased to join a party of swimmers from Runnymede Swimming Club and supporting families at a Lions organised disability swimming gala held at Hitchin Swimming Centre.

Members of six teams competed in individual races with staggered starts based on their previously measured times. In theory swimmers in each race should finish at the same time.

SwimAbility at Runnymede Swimming Club, Benfleet provides an inclusive environment for swimmers with disabilities to train alongside the mainstream squads and take part in the club’s social activities. They also offer competitive opportunities and provide information and support on swimming competitively at disability galas/para-swimming.

Billericay Lions have a long assocation with Runnymede Swimability and in the past have travelled with teams to international disability swimming galas in Germany and Belgium and also at Billericay Lions hosted international gala at Basildon Sporting Village.

Seeing the joy from both swimmers and families is heart warming. Billericay Lions are delighted to be able to work with Runnymede Swimability and are looking forward to being involved in an Essex based disability gala later in the year.