About us

A number of years ago we realized that swimmers with Down Syndrome were being outclassed in competition by other people with learning disabilities who did not have the same physical disabilities that are often associated with Down Syndrome.   For this reason the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation (DSISO) was created.

DSISO provides the opportunity to swim at a World Class level through its World Championships held every two years and also keeps World & Regional records  https://www.dsiso.org/records/     Swimmers who register with DSISO  are able to keep in touch with organizations around the world who have  swimmers with Down syndrome.

In 2002 the first championship was held in Reading, England;  2004 Durban, South Africa;  2006 Limerick, Ireland;  2008 Albufeira, Portugal; 2010 Tapei, Taiwan; 2012 Loano, Italy; 2014 Morelia, Mexico, 2016 Florence, Italy and 2018, Truro, Canada.   The championships which were to held in Turkey in 2020 did not take place due to the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19.   The next world championship will take place in 2022 in Albufeira, Portugal.

DSISO are also being very proactive in its efforts to have swimmers with Down syndrome being included in Paralympics.

Good swimming technique that results from good coaching stands alongside enthusiasm, determination and friendliness as features of all DSISO events.   Membership Information:    https://www.dsiso.org/about/forms/