300 days to go #swansea2014

As we mark 300 days to go until the IPC Athletics European Championships kick off in Swansea, 2014 is already set to be a jam packed year of sporting events. Disability Sport Wales Performance Manager, Anthony Hughes tells us about his plans for the upcoming summer series as twelve Welsh athletes have been confirmed by UK Athletics (UKA) that they are to be supported by the National Lottery funded World Class Performance Programme for 2013- 2014.

It is without question that the IPC Athletics European Championships in Swansea is set to be one of the key highlights of the 2014 season. Our athletes have a long road ahead of them to secure selection for the Europeans but such events enable me, along with British Athletics to set performance targets and to determine the performance level of our Welsh athletes. It will inevitably be a heavily contested event with some of the very best performers from Europe descending on the city.
 

Aled Davies

In the past myself, support staff and athletes have driven thousands of miles across Europe to go to head-to-head with the best on the continent and now it’s time to welcome them on to our turf.  Having the event in Swansea will not only test our Welsh athletes, but also give them that extra drive and determination to win a medal in their own backyard in front of their family and friends. London 2012 brought out the very best in our athletes and I am positive that Swansea will have the same effect.

Kyron Duke

For some of even the most experienced athletes Swansea 2014 will be their first taste of an IPC Athletics European event. London 2012 gold medallists Aled Davies and Josie Pearson as well as newcomers Jordan Howe and Stephen Morris are just a few who will be hoping to be selected for this event for the first time. And they know that they will have to impress British Athletics Head Coach, Paula Dunn for that to happen. Previous reputations count for nothing when you’re in the mix for selection.

Nathan Stephens

I am delighted that these twelve Welsh athletes have been given that support by UKA for the coming year; it also shows the strength in depth within our nation. It’s also important not to forget the likes of Wales-based Hollie Arnold and the numerous talented athletes in our academy programme, who will be pushing hard to gain the ‘A’ standard needed to be in contention for Swansea.

I am confident that Swansea 2014 will deliver an amazing five days of competition, showcasing the best athletes in Europe. This will the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the very best of what Wales has to offer and give the country a platform to host future world-class events.

For further information about #swansea2014 click here.