Winning swimmers at the Special Olympics St Albans Christmas Gala were presented with medals on Saturday.

Thirty-five SOSA athletes with learning disabilities competed in the annual event at Harpenden Swimming Pool and were presented with medals by the city’s Mayor Annie Brewster.

She said: “Congratulations to everyone who competed in the Christmas swimming gala. There is clearly some excellent coaching taking place. I am most impressed by the talent and enthusiasm I witnessed from everyone, and the well-deserved success our swimmers are experiencing on a larger stage.

“Congratulations to the team of incredible volunteers who gave their time to make this event happen. Thank you to the athletes’ families and friends for supporting the swimmers so well.”

All the swimmers who took part in the SOSA Christmas Gala are preparing for the Eastern Regional swimming gala early next year. At this event they will compete against other swimmers from around the country.

Susi Williams, Special Olympics St Albans Co-ordinator, said: “We are very grateful to the Mayor for coming to the Special Olympics swimming gala and making it the best event this year.

“We really appreciated her support for our swimmers, who were aged between 10 and 52 years. It was most encouraging for the athletes to see the Mayor giving a running commentary at the poolside and cheering them on.”