Scottish swimmers head to Loughborough for 2016 UK School Games

43 Scottish swimmers representing Scotland North & West and Scotland South & East are travelling down to Loughborough today to compete in the UK School Games 2016, an event that brings together 1,600 of the UK’s best young athletes for four days of sporting competition .

The Games have been a launch pad for many elite athletes. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 150 of the competitors previously took part in the School Games..

Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: “The School Games are so important because they’re where our future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games medal winners get a real sense of what it’s like at a major multi-sport competition. By bringing them together at high-profile events like this, we’re giving them a head start over up-and-coming athletes from around the world.

“Loughborough University has a fine reputation for sporting excellence, so it’s a fantastic venue for 2016. I’m certain next year will build on the brilliant finals we’ve had in Manchester, Sheffield and the Olympic Park.”

Loughborough University Executive Director of Sport, John Steele, said: “Loughborough is proud to deliver across the full spectrum of sport, from performance to participation and from coaching to volunteering. With this in mind, I have no doubt whatsoever that we will empower our students, staff and volunteers to help deliver an unforgettable School Games experience for everyone involved. I speak on behalf of all of my colleagues at Loughborough in saying we are relishing the challenge of staging this iconic school sport event.”

Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive, Ali Oliver, added: “The School Games give a true taste of high-level multi-sport competition to the UK’s best school-aged competitors. I have no doubt that Loughborough will continue the excellent reputation this event has now rightly gained.”

There are 45 swimming events in the jam-packed 2016 School Games timetable and this year all the action will take place over one day of competition on Saturday 3 September. Plus, with each race at the Games being swum as a final, it’s sure to be a fast and exciting day out!

Athletes will compete in both individual and team relay events for points. The number of points awarded to each athlete after a race contributes to the overall team total.

Eight teams compete in the School Games representing England North, England Central, England East, England South, Scotland North & West, Scotland South & East, Ireland and Wales.

For more information on the swimming schedule please click here: http://www.2016schoolgames.com/swimming

Scottish swimmers competing at the 2016 UK School Games: 

Supporting coaching staff attending the 2016 UK School Games:

Supporting team staff attending the 2016 UK School Games: