Local Paralympian swimmers Kate Grey and David Hill were on hand to encourage and inspire young swimmers at the Somerset Special Schools Swimming gala championships at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre on 12 October 2011.

Kate Grey and David Hill both train with the University of Bath Performance Squad and have represented Great Britain since 2003 and 2004 respectively.

Kate and David presented medals to all competitors and a shield to the overall winners - Fosse Way School.

Jane Lawrence, Swimming Development Manager for Aquaterra Leisure and Bath and North East Somerset Council said:

"The Somerset Special Schools Gala is one of the highlights of our competition calendar at Bath Sports & Leisure Centre. It was wonderful that Kate and David could spare some time out of their busy training schedules in the run up to 2012 to come and support us."

Swimmers used the opportunity to question Kate and David including how much training they do each week, how they overcome pre-race nerves and even what they eat for breakfast when training.

Martin Mosey, Bath and North East Somerset Council Performance Swimming Director also visited to watch the talented youngsters competing.

He was impressed by the standard of what he saw and said

"The Swim Stars programme provides an excellent inclusive pathway in Bath and North East Somerset for talented swimmers - with or without disabilities - leading into local swimming clubs and the Aquae Sulis Performance Club."

The Learn to Swim programme run by Aquaterra Leisure is inclusive and there are additional lessons specifically aimed at children with physical, learning or sensory difficulties who require higher levels of support at Culverhay Sports Centre.