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Swim England and Neurodiverse Sport team up to strengthen neuro-inclusive practice

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5 hours ago

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By Kath Hudson    06 Feb 2026

A new strategic partnership between Swim England and Neurodiverse Sport (NdS) will strengthen neuro‑inclusive practice across aquatics.

The growing prevalence of neurodiversity is a challenge for swimming teachers, with Swim England research finding that up to four in ten children in a swimming lesson could be considered neurodivergent, with this information not always known in advance.  

Certain forms of neurodiversity can involve sensory sensitivities that may be heightened in pool environments, including loud noises, bright lighting and busy spaces. Swimming teachers have highlighted a need for greater support, guidance and practical resources to help them respond effectively within group lesson settings. This is particularly important in reducing reliance on one‑to‑one provision, which can be costly and may result in children missing out on regular swimming opportunities altogether. 

The collaboration will kick off with a two‑year, test‑and‑learn programme, with research-backed approaches to neuro-inclusion being explored and piloted. Mainstream swimming lessons will be a particular focus. 

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Caragh McMurtry, co-founder and CEO of Neurodiverse Sport CIC, says: “Neuroinclusion is never about a single solution – it’s about understanding people, environments and experiences and being willing to keep listening, testing and adapting. We’re excited to take this next step together and to learn what genuinely helps neurodivergent people feel safe, supported and able to thrive in and around the water.”

Two national surveys are being carried out one with parents and carers and one with swimming teachers, alongside a programme of in‑depth interviews with teachers. The insight gathered will inform practical recommendations to better support neurodivergent learners and the professionals teaching them, with the aim of making swimming lessons inclusive, safe, and accessible for all. 

National participation and growth manager at Swim England, Alex Barrett, says: “By working together to build robust insight and evidence, we can develop practical learning that we will share with the sector to support swimming teachers, schools and providers. This work will directly inform our wider learn to swim review and help ensure that swimming opportunities are inclusive, positive and accessible for all.” 

The surveys on how to make swimming lessons more inclusive are open until Monday 23 February 2026 via these links for teachers and parents.

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3 Reasons why Randy Orton won the Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match on WWE SmackDown

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9 minutes ago

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7 February 2026

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WWE SmackDown after Royal Rumble 2026 concluded with Randy Orton’s victory. The Legend Killer defeated Solo Sikoa and Aleister Black in a Triple Threat Match.

Now, The Viper has become the first star to be officially confirmed as an entrant in the Elimination Chamber match. In this article, we will discuss three reasons why Randy Orton won the Elimination Chamber qualifying match on the blue brand show.

#3. Randy Orton is set to make history

Randy Orton should win the 2026 Elimination Chamber. Do you agree?

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The veteran star previously participated several times in the Men’s Elimination Chamber matches. He was part of some of the most iconic Chamber matches, and this year, Randy Orton is set to make history. It will be Orton’s 10th Elimination Chamber match, thus holding the record for most appearances in the history of Elimination Chamber matches.

So, to hold this major record, Randy Orton qualified for the Men’s Chamber match and secured the victory on this week’s SmackDown.

#2. To add much-needed star power

WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 is set to stream live on February 28, 2026, from the United Center in Chicago. It will be the final PLE stop on the road to WrestleMania 42.

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Considering this, WWE needed some star power in the Elimination Chamber traditional match, as it escalates the match hype and generates more buzz. Orton is one of the most popular stars and the only active talent from the generation of John Cena, Triple H, The Rock, Stone Cold, and others. His inclusion could be done to add star power to the showdown.

#1. To set up a match with Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania

Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s feud is still unfinished on SmackDown. During this week’s show, The American Nightmare warned the Undisputed WWE Champion that he will not enter Mania as the titleholder.

This suggests that, despite Rhodes and Jacob being part of the Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match, a title showdown may happen before this year’s Showcase of the Immortals. This scenario sparks the chances of Cody winning the Undisputed Title before Mania.

If that happens, then the sports entertainment juggernaut could be planning for a match between Cody and Orton, which could be the reason behind The Viper’s victory. It’s been a long time since fans have been anticipating a match between these two real-life friends.

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If Rhodes wins the Undisputed Championship before Mania and Randy wins the Chamber match, it will finally set up the dream feud at The Grandest Stage of Them All. Rest assured, it will be interesting to see how the storyline will unfold and what plans WWE has in store for us.