Swimming
What is para-swimming
Para-swimming in Australia is run under a multi class system which allows athletes classified with a disability to compete in a high level and meaningful competition. The athletes' times are compared to the current world record and they are given a score against these times where 1000pts is equal to the world record, anything above this indicates the record has been broken anything below this indicates how close they are to the record.
Athletes and students with a vision impairment can take part in any swimming event in Australia, however, to compete at a high level require a classification.
Classification information
To be able to compete in official swimming tournaments athletes must have a B1, B2, or B3 classification.
In South Australia it is possible to get a classification by booking time with the Royal Society for the Blind or Health2Go at Flinders University.
Below are the classifications set out by the International Blind Sports Association.
B1/S11/S11 Classification
Visual acuity poorer than LogMAR 2.60 which is equivalent to poorer than 6/600 (no functional vision for sport)
B2/S12/S12 Classification
Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60 (inclusive) or 6/160 to 6/600 (inclusive)
B3/S13/S13 Classification
Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.0 to 1.40 (inclusive) or 6/60 to 6/160 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 10 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5 or 6/19 (B4)
Swimming at SASVI
Students at SASSVI have the opportunity to be involved in swimming once a year under the supervision and instruction of trained instructors. Biannually SASSVI students also have the opportunity to be involved in an aquatics program run at the Port Noarlunga Aquatics Centre where the students are exposed to a plethora of fun outdoor activities such as surfing, wake boarding, kayaking, snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding.
SASSVI has produced some incredible swimmers who hold state titles and records, however, students have to look for external programs if they wish to be involved in competitive swimming as unfortunately SASSVI does not have the resources or facilities to offer the students a competitive swimming club like we do with other sports.
How can I be involved?
There is currently no one specific club that caters for athletes with a vision impairment in South Australia, however, there are a number of clubs that would happily support an athlete with a vision impairment.
SA School and Services for Vision Impaired
If you would like more information on the swimming program at SASSVI or in South Australia please contact:
Andrew Whisson (PE Teacher at the SA School and Services for Vision Impaired)
Phone Number: +61882775255
Swimming SA
If you would like more information on swimming in South Australia please contact:
Visit: sa.swimming.org.au
Blind Sports SA
If you would like more information on opportunities in Blind Sports in South Australia please contact:
Kent Dredge (Sports Development Officer)
Email: kent.dredge@blindsportssa.org.au
Visit: blindsportssa.org.au