SWIMMER Aliesha Sneesby has been acknowledged by Redland City Council for her selection to swim for Australia at next year’s Special Olympics.
The 22-year-old from Victoria Point is in training for the event in Abu Dhabi in March.
In July Aliesha competed in her third Down Syndrome World Championships in Canada.
Mayor Karen Williams presented Aliesha with a certificate and gift during Wednesday’s council meeting.
“Aliesha’s dedication to sport is an inspiration,” Cr Williams said.
Aliesha’s mother Carol said her daughter had started swimming a few years before her selection to her first world championship in 2014.
“She started swimming for fitness and someone suggested she enter a swimming competition,” Carol said.
“She blitzed the first event and has just gone on from there.
“We only realised how good she was when she competed.”
She said that there had been social, mental and health benefits for Aliesha taking part in swimming.
Aliesha belongs to the YMCA Victoria Point where she does twice weekly gym sessions and morning swimming training.
She swims in afternoons and on Saturdays at CJ’s Swim Club at Carina.
Carol said it was a fitting time for Aliesha to be recognised by council as October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Aliesha is fundraising to cover the costs for her trip to the event. To donate, visit include.specialolympics.com.au/fundraisers/AlieshaSneesby/teamaustralia2019.
