Burnham-On-Sea’s Swim and Sports Academy has won the coveted title of the UK’s Swim School of the Year.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony in Sheffield on Saturday night (October 20th), attended by over 300 people and run by the sport’s governing body.
The academy’s owners, Mark and Sara Cox-Conklin, told Burnham-On-Sea.com they are thrilled with the news. “We are absolutely over the moon to have won and very honoured,” said Mark.
The facilities in Berrow Road, Burnham were short-listed with two other swimming schools for the sought-after award in the annual Kellogg’s ASA Swimtastic Awards.
Andy Holt, the Burnham academy’s Swim School Manager, collected the award on Saturday, and told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was an exciting evening, held in the style of an Oscars ceremony, and it was absolutely amazing to win – we are so elated and very proud!”
“Considering the pool’s future was threatened in 2008, it just shows what can be done with drive, enthusiasm and investment. Full credit goes to Mark and Sara for all their work and the great team we have here.”
He added: “The glass trophy we have received will take pride of place in the entrance to the academy.” He thanked the academy’s customers, the ASA and the teaching staff for all their support.
Burnham’s Swim and Sports Academy was up against Havering & Hornchurch School of Swimming of Essex, and Quackers Swim School of Nottingham for the award. The award is given to a swim school which provides an excellent service to its members and assists the development of its swimmers and staff, while continually striving to achieve high standards.
Mark and Sara saved the 30 year-old pool from closure in 2008 and re-launched it as the privately-run Burnham Swim and Sports Academy. During its first year, the academy saw 350 children take lessons each week and it now has 967 students.
Pictured: From top, Andy Holt receiving the award, given by Olivia Fererici, Team GB Synchronised swimmer alongside the two runners-up; Andy and Nicola Holt with Keri-Anne Payne, Olympic Silver Medallist Team GB; Mark and Sara Cox Conklin; the award
