AN impressive performance at the Special Olympics helped to secure long-distance swimmer Ciaran Kelly the Junior Disabled Sportsperson Award.

The 15-year-old, who is a member of Basingstoke Bluefins, won his category and finished fourth overall in the 1,500m at the Special Olympics, which took place in Chichester, despite being the only competitor under the age of 16.

Kelly, who has swum as far as two miles in open water events, didn’t really expect to pick up the award, so he got a nice surprise on the night.

“It was really exciting to win,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting it, so it was a bit of a surprise.

“These awards are a really good thing for the town and it’s been a really good night.”