Sport students at Priestley College enjoyed a splashing good time as they earned success at their first ever competition.

The college’s newly formed swimming team, which is made up of 11 students, donned their goggles and swim caps to participate in the English Schools Swimming Association’s North West Finals at Everton Park in Liverpool.

Team Priestley entered both male and female teams and it was the girls who led from the front landing second place in the freestyle relay and third place in the medley relay.
Not to be out done, the boys finished second in the medley relay.

The students are now eagerly waiting to hear whether they have done enough to qualify for the national championships in Southampton.

Curriculum manager Nigel Howells said: “All our students excelled, especially taking into account they were up against a lot of talented opposition including teams from private and independent schools and colleges. We are sure this is just the beginning for the team and hope to participate in Southampton, should we get the opportunity to go the national finals.”


Meanwhile, young sports coaches (pictured above) at the college were given an insightful presentation on the nature of disabled sport. Jordan Raynes and Mike Smith, from Stockport County’s community programme, and Dawn Georgeson from the Cheshire FA were on campus to prepare the students for their own up and coming roles in the local community.

Jordan, captain of the Cerebral Palsy England football team, had the students transfixed by his story, as he described overcoming adversity to realise his dreams.
He has since gone onto represent his country at World and European Championships, Paralympic games and will also be part of London 2012.

Priestley tutor Danielle Toward said: “Jordan’s story was truly empowering and a source of inspiration for our students who are working towards a range of coaching, fitness and leadership awards that run alongside our main academic programmes.”

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