SIT student and Gore swimmer, Dylan Elstob, (centre) proudly gives a ‘thumbs up’ to SIT CEO, Bharat Guha, (left) and Faculty Head, Hamish Small (right) who presented Dylan with SIT merchandise in recognition of his performance in the pool, competing for Southland at the Special National Summer games in Christchurch, where he won silver and bronze medals, and also achieved two fifth-place finishes.
Photo supplied
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) student, Dylan Elstob came home with two medals and two fifth placings after competing in swimming at the Special Olympics National Summer games held in Christchurch recently.
Dylan, who’s coached by his dad, Ian, competed along with seven other Special Olympians from Southland at the December 10-14 games. And Dylan had a nice surprise at the games this time; his mum, Dianne, was able to attend. “I don’t get to go to many events,” she said. “It was lovely to be able to see Dylan compete and win the medals.”
Winning a silver medal in the 100m freestyle, and a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke, Dylan was also placed fifth in the 50m backstroke and the 4 x 50m freestyle relay.
Dianne said Dylan is a keen swimmer, and he swims all year round with mainstream swimmers as well, “just to keep his hand in. He intends to carry on with his swimming”.
Dylan attends the Supported Learners community course at SIT Gore Campus and enjoys the social interaction and learning in the programme. He was congratulated by
SIT CEO, Bharat Guha, and Faculty Head, Hamish Small, at the campus yesterday, who presented Dylan with a SIT Cap, drink bottle, t-shirt and bag, in recognition of his achievements.