A new category for child transplant swimmers is set to begin in York.

The Tadcaster York swim squad (TYSS) is hosting a swimming gala specifically for children who have had solid organ transplants.

The event, at York Sport Village on August 31 and September 1, was inspired by the 11-year-old TYSS member Violet Chhokar.

Violet has had already had two liver transplants. She recently won four bronze medals at the British Transplant games. However, she has to compete against able-bodied swimmers for TYSS.

"I had a very difficult journey with learning to swim, but watching transplant swimmers at the British Transplant games inspired me to keep working hard to beat my phobia of being under the water," she said.

Violet Chhokar has had two liver transplants (Image: Supplied)

"Swimming is a huge part of my life now and I am happiest when I am in the water.

"I have been training and competing since age nine and I think that my biggest achievement in swimming is being a supportive, positive team mate who celebrates everyone for their individual successes, whatever they may be. 

"My biggest goal with swimming is one day be selected to represent transplant team GB at the World Transplant games."

Transplant swimmers face additional challenges with their core strength, stamina and recovering time, making it difficult for them to beat able-bodied athletes in a race.

TYSS will be hosting their "Back to School Blast" at York Sport Village. Which will have a specific awards category for transplant swimmers.

Transplant swimmers will be seeded into main heats, with medals awarded in a separate transplant category.

RECOMMENDED READING:

There will be an organ donation stand, promoting the cause and encouraging people to discuss their organ donation wishes with their families. 

To facilitate the attendance and inclusion of transplant swimmers, TYSS will provide a team manager and coach for transplant swimmers whose club is unable to attend with them. 

Liam Barnett, chairperson of Transplant Swimming Club said: "All members of the Transplant Swimming Club applaud all those involved at TYS Swim Squad for introducing this category and we hope that this is the beginning of widespread support across many other clubs, leading into a category being introduced at county and national level.

"Within masters swimming we enjoy racing against non-transplant swimmers, but at grassroot level it’s really important that we recognise what young transplanted swimmers have gone through, and continue to go through, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

"The vast majority of transplant swimmers do not get the support from their clubs which they deserve and become withdrawn, eventually quitting the sport altogether.

"Having an awards category for transplant swimmers is vital to keeping our transplant swimmers swimming, and having happy, healthy lives."