Spectacle Theatre’s Monday Night Group has long been a space where creativity, courage, and community thrive—and this month, one of our own has made a splash in a whole new way.
On Saturday 27th September, 2025, Daniel, a veteran member of the Monday Night Group, competed in the ASTRA 15 Welsh Swimming Finals at Rhondda Leisure Centre, proudly representing the Rhondda Polar Bears swimming club. Facing fierce competition from Barry Beavers, Blaenau Gwent Otters, and Gwent Dolphins, Daniel powered through to take Gold in the 50m Men’s event.
Dawn Moore, Chair of Rhondda Polar Bears DSC, ASTRA 15 Welsh Region, and Halliwick AST National Education Committee, shared her pride:
“Daniel is a much-loved member of the Rhondda Polar Bears Disabled Swimming Club and has been with us for many years. We are extremely proud of Daniel’s achievements, along with all of our members, and we look forward to seeing him and his teammates in action at the Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy National Championships – which, for the first time, are being held in Rhondda.”
From making new friends, to winning Gold
The atmosphere at the Gala was electric. “It was like lightning,” Daniel said. “When I’m in the water, I shut off, focusing on what I’m doing. The sound of the audience disappeared.” That focus paid off, though Daniel admits he was stunned when his name was called. “I thought I’d blown it. My friend said, ‘You’d better go collect your medal,’ and my mum shouted, ‘Well done!’ She was so proud.”
Daniel’s achievement is more than a medal—it’s a testament to years of dedication. He’s been swimming since the age of seven, training weekly with the Polar Bears under the guidance of Chairperson Dawn Moore. His calm confidence and love for the sport shone through in his reflections: “I didn’t really think about winning. I just enjoy swimming, so I try my best.”
Celebrating Success
We celebrated Daniel’s story with cheers and applause at the Monday Night Group’s recent session, where he shared his experience, medal, and trophy. It was a moment of pride for all of us—a reminder of the power of perseverance and the joy of shared success.
Beyond the competition, Daniel spoke warmly about the friendships formed through swimming: “Even though we were competing, we made friends and had so much fun. In the pool we were rivals. Out of the pool we were friends.”
About Polar Bears & Halliwick
Daniel is member of the Rhondda Polar Bears Disabled Swimming Club, which is affiliated with the Halliwick AST Welsh Regional Championships. He competes in the Men’s 50m and is also part of a team of three in the League Swim Team. His success is a reflection of the club’s ethos: creating a safe, supportive environment for swimmers of all abilities to grow, socialise, and thrive.
The Halliwick Association has been promoting water safety, confidence, and happiness for disabled children and adults for over 72 years. The Rhondda Polar Bears DSC, celebrating 50 years next year, is one of many clubs teaching the Halliwick Concept—a 10-point programme that begins with mental adjustment to water and progresses to basic swimming strokes.
Daniel’s Going For Gold, Again!
Daniel will represent Wales at Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy National Championships at 1pm on Saturday 25th October, 2025. We’ll be cheering him on every stroke of the way.
At Spectacle Theatre, we believe in celebrating lived experiences—and Daniel’s journey is one we’re proud to share. From the stage to the swimming pool, our community continues to inspire.
We can’t wait to see what Daniel achieves next—and we hope his story inspires others to dive into their passions, whatever they may be.
