DAVID Hill, who was last year crowned the OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year 2004 in the Disabled category, recently competed at the Visa Paralympic World Cup in Manchester with support from his family and Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS. David, a Kelly College student who swam at the Visa Paralympic World Cup, qualified during the heats for the 100m backstroke and finished in 6th place in the final. His first competition in 2005 was the able-bodied Devon County Championships where he finished 8th overall in the 200m backstroke setting a new British record and a new European standard. In the 50m backstroke David finished 7th again setting a new British and European record. The next test was the Disability Sport England National Junior Championship in March, held in Sheffield. David won eight gold medals and broke three National Junior records in addition to the 50m backstroke British and European record. ?I was pleased to have the support of Chris Cracknell at the Paralympic World Cup, as it showed the commitment of OCS to their sponsorship scheme,? he said. ?Not only have they given me financial support, but also moral support at the competition.? Through OCS? sponsorship David has been able to take part in training camps through his college and use some of the money to help with travel and accommodation costs during the competitions. Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS said: ?It was great to have the opportunity to support David at this top level competition as he is a promising sportsperson for the future of UK swimming. ?I have had a true insight into the standard of competition he takes part in and the commitment this requires, especially as at this time he is also in the middle of his GCSE exams.?
