Paisley Piranhas make a splash at West of Scotland Championships
Nine swimmers from a top Paisley swimming club made a huge splash last Saturday by winning 17 medals at a West of Scotland championship.
The event, run by West of Scotland Association of Swimming Clubs for those with a disability, saw the Paisley Piranhas win an impressive medal haul of 15 gold and two silvers at Scotstoun Leisure Centre.
Four swimmers who were representing the team for the first time (Rachel Killens, Michael McPhee, Kerr McKenzie and Angus McKinnon) all took home gold. A full results list is attached below.
Councillor Jim Harte, Convener for Renfrewshire’s Sport, Leisure, and Culture Policy Board, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for these young athletes and for Renfrewshire. To take home15 gold and two silver medals is fantastic and my congratulations go to all who took part.
“The club is run by our Active Schools team and it does a wonderful job to offer young people with disabilities training and competition opportunities. Three of the club’s swimmers have been selected to compete in the Special Olympics in Bath this summer, so watch this space.”
John McPhee from Paisley is dad to two of the winning swimmers – Polly and Michael McPhee. He said: “I went to Scotstoun Leisure Centre recently to cheer on the Paisley Piranhas at the Regional Championships of the West of Scotland Federation of Swimming Clubs for people with a disability. What a special day it was. Many thanks to the coaches, officials and helpers but most of all to the competitors. Everyone was a star.”
The swimming club currently has 20 swimmers. It caters for those with learning and physical disabilities from children into adulthood.
The three swimmers who will compete in the Special Olympics this summer are Graeme McNeil, Tony Napolitano and Jennifer Costelly.
Anyone looking for more information about the Paisley Piranhas should call Susannah Pietryga on 01505 325417 or 07774016347.
Results from the 9 February 2013 regional championships:
Tony Napolitano,18, Reid Kerr College, achieved gold in her 25m back crawl and silver in her 25m freestyle events.
Polly McPhee, 9, St Anthony’s Primary School, achieved gold in her 25m back crawl and silver in her 25m freestyle events.
Kerr McKenzie, 8, Heriot Primary School achieved gold in his 25m back crawl and gold in his 25m freestyle events.
Daniel McDonald, 12, Mary Russell School, achieved gold in his 25m back crawl and gold in his 25m Freestyle events.
Rachel Killens, 15, St Benedicts High School achieved gold in her 25m back crawl and gold in her 25m freestyle events.
Michael McPhee, 15, Castlehead High School achieved gold in his 25m back crawl and gold in his 25m freestyle events.
Graeme McNeil, 21, Reid Kerr College, achieved gold in his 25m back crawl and gold in his 25m freestyle events.
Jennifer Costello, 14, Mary Russell School, achieved gold in her 25m back crawl and gold in her 25m freestyle events.
Angus McKinnon, 9, Houston Primary School achieved gold in his 25m freestyle event.
Information from www.renfrewshire.gov.uk