Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Andy Burnham yesterday provided further information to the House of Commons on the free swimming campaign which will see swimming becoming free of charge for over 60s and under 16s in areas across the country from April 2009. 
 
Local authorities will opt in or out of the programme early this Autumn, which also has an element of capital funding from which those involved can benefit.  The asa has worked closely with the government in developing the programme. 

Chief Executive of the asa David Sparkes said:  “The asa welcomes the further clarification from the Secretary of State which is in response to the support the asa has provided in the free swimming programme. This remains a very important initiative and one the asa believes will deliver a significant increase in swimming participation as we move forward from Beijing to London in 2012.”

To read the full statement from Andy Burnham click here.
 
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For more information contact the asa PR Assistant on 01509 632238 or email claire.freeman@swimming.org

The asa is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The asa supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The asa aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

About Speedo®
Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations.  In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER®  - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps.  Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

 

Duncan Goodhew, ambassador for Everyday Swim is set to launch the second phase of the Waveney free swim project this coming weekend.

The project, just one of Everyday Swim Suffolk’s initiatives, has already seen over 1200 adults sign up for free swimming during June, with Phase 2 offering free swimming for all children under 16 at two local pools throughout the summer holidays.

Duncan Goodhew will be visiting both participating pools during his visit and lucky swimmers will have the opportunity to chat to the former Olympic champion and even have a lesson with him!

On Saturday 19th July at Bungay Pool and Gym from 10.15am Duncan will get involved with one of the innovative ‘Liquid trailer’ sessions, designed to encourage teenagers back into the pool, with the use of equipment not always found in a public pool, such as sea scooters, kayaks and jet skis.

Then later at 12.15pm, at Waterlane Leisure Centre, Lowestoft, he’ll meet those who have taken up the Everyday swim £10 adult swimming lessons and actually get into the water himself to help with stroke technique.

Councillor Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Holder for Health & Wellbeing said: “Swimming is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time and we want to encourage as many young people as possible to take part in this outstanding initiative. We are delighted to welcome Duncan Goodhew who has provided such inspiration as a swimmer for many years.”

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Cultural Development at Suffolk County Council commented: "This is an excellent opportunity for people to meet and be inspired by an Olympic Medal Winner and to see the water-based activities that will be available throughout the summer at the pools.  Swimming is incredibly good for you and it's fun too! I'd like to encourage as many children and young people as possible to come and have a go and tell us about their experience so that we can improve the swimming offer all year round"

The Everyday Swim national initiative, driven by the asa was launched in January 2006 with investment of £3 million from Sport England and over £1 million from local partners.  The aim is to get more people swimming and find out ‘what works’ in getting more people into our pools.  It’s about encouraging people to swim for leisure, fitness and fun and the goal is to increase swimming participation in the project areas by 2% per annum by December 2008.

Children wishing to take advantage of the free swimming during the summer will need a parent’s signature on the registration form to apply for a leisure card. You can apply now so get swimming, it’s fun and it’s free!

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For more information contact Waterlane Leisure Centre on 01502 569116 or visit www.waveney.gov.uk/www.everydayswim.org.uk/www.suffolksport.co.uk

The asa is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The asa supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The asa aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

About Speedo®
Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations.  In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER®  - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps.  Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.