Claire

Claire is a local paraplegic swimmer who has been aided by the Trust in recognition of her endeavour and talent.

Claire has recently been nominated by the Trust to be an Olympic Torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics and has now received confirmation that she has been placed on the short-list of candidates.

Claire is an exemplary young person aged 18 with a determination to succeed despite her disability. She suffers from a form of cerebral palsy, but started swimming in 2002 and currently trains 8 times a week. In addition to her training she works at a local pool with Active Luton where she teaches young children to learn to swim.

Many of the young children and other teachers have complimented Claire on her passion for the sport and her ability to aspire those she teaches. She has been on the British Disability Swimming World Class Programme since 2005 and in 2006 won a bronze medal at the IPC World Championships 200 metres individual medley. Many of the young children and other teachers have complimented Claire on her passion for the sport and her ability to aspire those she teaches. She has been on the British Disability Swimming World Class Programme since 2005 and in 2006 won a bronze medal at the IPC World Championships 200 metres individual medley.

She represented Great Britain again at the German Disability International Championships in 2007 and the Danish Open Disability Championships in 2008. Claire hoped to compete in the Beijing Paralympics but due to a reclassification was unable to qualify. More recently she has competed in the British Championships and the ASA National Championships. Along with her A levels she has also just completed the two year Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence. Claire is in her final year of sixth form and is working towards starting university in September. She is intending to continue full-time training with an ambition to compete at the Trials for the 2012 Paralympics and has the backing of the British Disability Swimming Association who recognise her dedication and talent.

Claire is in her final year of sixth form and is working towards starting university in September. She is intending to continue full-time training with an ambition to compete at the Trials for the 2012 Paralympics and has the backing of the British Disability Swimming Association who recognise her dedication and talent

.The Rotary Youth Trust for Luton, established by the four Rotary Clubs in Luton in 2005, is sponsoring this Nomination and has also recognised Claire's achievements and determination as being an inspiration to all young people, whether disabled or able-bodied. The Trust has provided financial assistance to further her ambitions.