By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
JARVIS—Stratford teen Amiera Black has completed her first appearance at the World Down Syndrome Championships in Portugal, finishing strong in a number of categories against 163 swimmers from around the world.
The Press previously reported on Amiera’s journey back in June, when the Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association in Jarvis held a yard sale to raise funds to send the 16-year-old to Portugal to compete.
“Since this was Amiera’s first time attending the World Down Syndrome Championships, we weren’t sure what to expect,” said her mother, Jennifer. “When the Canadian team asked us to join, and suggested Amiera had the times to compete on the world stage, we were shocked.”
Jennifer said her daughter had never previously had the opportunity to swim against other swimmers who have Down Syndrome and train like she does, “so we really had no idea how she would stack up to the competition.”
She said through the competition they learned that “not only can she compete but she’s one of the top two juniors (16 & under) in the world! We couldn’t be prouder of her.”
According to Jennifer, Amiera set record personal times throughout the competition, “blowing her coaches’ expectations out of the water,” and improving her personal best from 44.83 down to 40.70: “To take over four seconds off a 50 is unheard of.”
Jennifer is highly grateful Amiera got the opportunity, and to those who helped contribute toward getting her there.
“As a parent of a child who has Down Syndrome, this was an event that allowed me to meet so many like-minded families,” she said. “Individuals who know the value and possibilities that those with Down Syndrome possess and want the rest of the world to see that too.”
She concluded, “It was an inspiration and thrill to watch.”
