Estralita School recently hosted their first official development gala in Lydenburg. It was hosted at the school, catering for learners with severe mental disabilities.

Teachers and coaches delivered expert drills and practices to swimmers with a range of impairments. All participants had the opportunity to learn and develop their skills and be signposted to further opportunities suited to their individual needs.

Local schools and swim schools were invited, as well as Thandoxolo Special School from Witbank and Wolvenkop from Verena.

Swimmers ranged from the age of two to 18 years and a total of 40 able-bodied swimmers and 39 with intellectual disabilities (S14) attended the gala.

Events ranged from in water assisted races with boards and noodles to 48-metre sprints in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.