GREATER numbers of children with disabilities in Stirlingshire are being supported to learn to swim.

Research by Scottish Swimming revealed that 45 per cent of children with disabilities who attend the Learn to Swim programme in Stirlingshire attend mainstream classes, developing their swimming ability and enhancing confidence, social skills and communication.

Over two-thirds (70 per cent) of swim teachers teach children with disabilities, and a large majority in a recent survey (80 per cent) felt both confident and competent in doing so but there is still more work to do.

Gary Mackintosh, programme development manager, said: “Active Stirling are proud to support the #SeeMyAbility campaign.

“We pride ourselves in our inclusive programme and provide opportunities for anyone to swim and we are working with Scottish Swimming to increase opportunities within inclusive swimming environments.”

Gavin MacLeod, CEO at Scottish Disability Sport, said: “It’s great to see Scottish Swimming as a sport’s governing body committed to and actively delivering their sport in an inclusive way.”

All Scottish Swimming performance centres have athletes with a disability and Scottish competitors won nine medals at the recent World Para Swimming Championships in London.

Learn to Swim ambassador and World Para Swimming World Champion Toni Shaw said: “I’m really proud to be an ambassador for the Learn to Swim Framework and really pleased that children with a disability are taught in inclusive learn to swim environments.”