Great Yarmouth & Waveney Special Olympians Awarded Grant for Inclusive Swimming

Congratulations to Great Yarmouth & Waveney Special Olympians!

Exciting news for swimming in Great Yarmouth! Great Yarmouth & Waveney Special Olympians (GYWSO)2 has been awarded a grant from the Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust.

This vital funding will allow the club to replace a manual physiotherapy changing plinth for wheelchair users, ensuring that all athletes can change safely and participate with dignity.

woman swimming in a pool with pink costume and swimming hat, under water

Grant awarded to Sunbeams Play, Great Yarmouth

A Club with Heart and History

GYWSO has been part of the local community for over 30 years, creating opportunities for people with physical, learning, and mental health challenges to swim together.

The club started at the Phoenix Pool, moved to the Marina Centre, and happily returned to the Phoenix Pool, growing into a thriving inclusive swimming club with over 40 athletes.

Exceptional volunteers

Founded on volunteer support, GYWSO has been led for more than 25 years by Dr Heather Sayer and her team, with coaches giving their time to help swimmers develop skills, confidence, and a love of the water.

The club has a proud record of achievement, representing Great Yarmouth nationally and internationally, including 14 gold medals in the British Long Distance 1 Hour Swim Challenge (previously named the 1 Hour Postal Swim).

Why the Grant Matters

The grant provides a vital opportunity to replace the club’s existing changing plinth. With the new plinth, wheelchair users can change safely, enabling them to take part fully in swimming sessions. It’s a small piece of equipment with a huge impact, ensuring no athlete is left out due to accessibility limitations.

Why the Grant Matters

This grant recognises the dedication of GYWSO’s athletes, volunteers and supporters. It allows the club to continue providing safe, inclusive swimming opportunities while celebrating its rich history and ongoing achievements.

Great Yarmouth & Waveney Special Olympians are– truly achieving through disability

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GYWSO

If you would like to find out more, you can explore the Great Yarmouth and Waveny Special Olympians website or email them via h.sayer1@ntlworld.com.


apply for a Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust grant

If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or maybe run a leisure or fitness activity, and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications now.

Find out how you can apply for a grant, and view the application form, here >