Two Burnham-On-Sea swimming enthusiasts are celebrating this week after making a big splash at a national awards ceremony.
Grenville Cole, 85, who trains at Burnham’s Swim and Sports Academy, won the National ASA Aquatics Awards 2016 Senior Participant of the Year title at the ASA 2016 Awards ceremony in Birmingham.
“Huge congratulations go to Grenville – we are extremely proud of him,” Sara Cox-Conklin from the Academy told Burnham-On-Sea.com. “Grenville achieved this title by breaking four British Age-Group records in one year, and becoming the European Champion after returning to the sport after a 70 year gap!”
And another local swimmer, Nathan Clarke, 17, from Burnham-On-Sea Swimming Club was also invited along to the ceremony where he was presented with a bronze award in the ASA Volunteer of the Year category.
Nathan, a King Alfred School sixth form student, was nominated for his long hours as a volunteer in the sport.
“I have been volunteering for over four years at Burnham Swimming Club, putting in over 1,000 hours of my time as a qualified coach, teacher and judge. I love the sport, and encouraging local swimmers to maximise their potential.”
The Awards were presented by Paralympic Champion Ellie Robinson, and Olympic bronze medallist Daniel Goodfellow.
Dan, who won Olympic bronze in the 2016 10m Platform synchronised diving with partner Tom Daley, said: “It felt amazing to be here and help present the Awards. For up and coming athletes on the England Programmes talent pathways, these awards give them so much confidence, the acknowledgement and recognition that they are doing well and they are on the right track.”
Ellie, who won gold in the S6 50m Butterfly at the Rio Paralympic Games, said: “It’s great to be part of the Awards today. I learned to swim when I was four and have been all the way through the programme. It is wonderful to see the next generation coming through and to celebrate all of the people who help to make that happen.”
Jane Nickerson, interim Chief Executive of the ASA, said: “We have many fantastic people involved in our sport and the annual Aquatics Awards are our opportunity to recognise the great contribution that is made every day by our volunteers, teachers, coaches and partners. The Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements within the aquatics community. From the individuals who have overcome personal obstacles to learn how to swim, to the athletes who have represented their Clubs and country. All our nominees are great ambassadors for our sport and it is wonderful to be able to recognise their achievements.”
