Paralympic hopeful Jarred Dyer heading to Virtus Global Games with big schedule of swims
Jarred Dyer is heading to a major European sporting meet with a Paralympic dream and a big schedule of racing. Read more about his story of determination and drive.
Illawarra Star
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illawarra Star. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Illawarra Academy of Sports para-athlete Jarred Dyer has qualified for the Virtus Global Games 2023 in France.
This is the biggest competition the 22-year-old swimmer has qualified for in what is a major step towards his dream of competing at a Paralympics.
Dyer’s mother, Wendy, said it is a massive moment for Jarred and he’s excited for the opportunity to compete abroad.
“Jarred’s wanted to get to this point for a while,” Wendy said.
“He’s been training hard, eight sessions a week, trying to get his fitness up.
“His physio has said he needs to be on the treadmill for 45 minutes a day.
“He knows if he’s going to compete he needs to do this and get right at the top of his game.
“He’s super excited for the Games.”
The Virtus Global Games is the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual impairments.
Dyer competes in the S14 classification and has had his eyes fixed on the Global Games in Paris since his stellar performance in the NSW Senior State Age Swimming Championships in December.
Dyer will be competing in five event in France – 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly.
Dyer is also hopeful of representing Australia in the relay, which is dependent on how well he performs at the Games.
Jarred’s mother Wendy is hard at work fundraising to aid Jarred getting overseas to the Global Games, as the cost of sending Jarred to compete is quite extreme considering there’s no funding or grants.
The Virtus Global Games are held 12 months before the Paralympics and are a great opportunity for athletes like Dyer to make a name for themselves in the hopes of getting closer to that Paralympic dream.
“He’d love to be there,” Wendy said.
“We don’t know what we’re up against, but he’s going to train hard and give it his best shot.”
The Virtus Global Games will commence in Paris from June 4-10.
Illawarra sale and auction results, week ending February 2
Illawarra recorded 11 property sales over a million dollars last week, the latest auction and sales results reveal.
‘Anyone can win the comp’: Upsets continue in Brewer Shield return
After a long break, the U18s Brewer Shield returned on Sunday where the upsets continued in the race to the finals. From punishing spells to lone hands, here’s how round 12 played out.