Elite Paralympic swimmers, gold medallist Dervis Konuralp (front left) and Lauren Smith (front right), join children from the Gayhurst School swimming squad and friends, to mark 500 days to go to the Paralympics on a sunny spring morning at Hackney’s London Fields Lido.

London Fields Lido is London’s only Olympic-length outdoor heated swimming pool, and includes among its distinguished customers the London Elite Paralympic Swimming Squad, the London Fields Triathlon Club and the Outdoor swimming society, as well as young swimmers from local schools.

Lauren, 17, trains nine times a week for a total of 15 hours, and has entered trials for the 2012 Paralympics. Dervis, Hackney’s 2012 Ambassador, has represented Team GB at four Paralympic Games and became a world record holder at just 17. The children from Gayhurst School’s swimming squad won gold at last year’s Hackney primary schools swimming gala.

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: “Hackney is looking forward to the arrival of the Paralympic Games in just 500 days time. London Fields Lido is a genuine asset for London, and is widely used by both casual and elite swimmers. Swimming is something which can bring all kinds of people together and the pool provides a great opportunity for all young people to develop their fitness and enjoy being active.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Paralympic Games tickets go on sale on 9 September.

Hackney Council is one of the six London Olympic Host Boroughs, and Hackney Wick falls into the Olympic Park.