Deal to boost prospects for disabled sports swimmers as 2012 approaches

British Swimming and Disability Sport Events (DSE) have joined in partnership to ensure Britain's athletes have the best opportunity to prepare ahead of major international championships.

The national governing body and the delivery agency for disability sport have formalised a longstanding relationship in order to give Britain the greatest possible chance of medal success at the London Paralympics and beyond.

The agreement, which also embraces the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) - the umbrella organisation for DSE - will ensure that domestic championships are hosted at appropriate times in the competition calendar and aims to attract top international athletes to place the championships as one of the best in the world.

It will also provide a clear pathway for athletes to progress through regional and home country competition.

ASA Chief Executive David Sparkes is delighted to formalise the relationship: 'The ASA and British Swimming have traditionally worked closely with EFDS and DSE to ensure that we are a world leader in disability sports provision,' he said.

'This new partnership has cemented that relationship and means swimmers benefit from a competition structure that allows them to progress from regional meets through to national championships and onto British squads.

'By working together we hope to develop a world-class meet to attract world-class competitors and give our athletes the best possible preparation in the run-up to London 2012.

'It will also allow us to equip staff and volunteers with the necessary expertise in order to host the best possible Paralympics and provide a lasting legacy from the Games.'

The partnership was officially launched on 4 November at the Nationwide DSE Short Course Championships in Sheffield.

Source: British Swimming