Para is the designation for athletes with a disability. Para Swimming is designed to give athletes with various levels of Physical, Visual, and Cognitive disabilities an opportunity to compete in the pool. There are 14 Para Classifcation. S1-10 are for athletes with a physical disability from lowest functionality to highest. S11-13 are for athletes with visaul impairments from total lack of vision to limited vision. S14 is for atheltes with cognitive disabilities.  

SWAT is currently looking to build out a Para program to support athletes in Sackville and beyond. SWAT is forgin ties with local Special Olympics groups and would like to build relationships with other Para sporting groups and athletes.

Para Classification can be long process. However, there are annual camps and information session thorughout the year to help and the SWAT coaching staff boasts a Para coach with experience navigating the Para system. 

Youth athletes with a disability are not required to have a Para Classification to join SWAT. Regardless of disability we ask that you reach out to recruitment@swatswim.ca and get added to our assessment list. Please leave a note regarding the nature of the athlete's disability. After assessment we will find a place for your athlete to join the club. As your swimmer becomes more comfortable with practice and competition we can discuss steps and opportunities of Para Classification in Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Provinces, and in Canada!

Swimming Canada Para Classification Information
https://www.swimming.ca/classification-2/

More information under the High Performance Tab