4 children from Isle of Wight have won a top prize at this year’s Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever awards.
This is the 25th year of Southern Water’s Learn to Swim programme – which has helped to teach more than 750,000 children to swim.
Each year the courage and determination of children who have learned to swim against the odds or performed exceptionally is celebrated, as 1 child from each pool is nominated for the Achiever of the Year award by their swimming teacher.
Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and Invictus Games gold medallist Mike Goody presented the young swimmers with medals and certificates in front of an audience of families and swim teachers from participating pools at the event at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth.
Harley-Jay Lynds, 9, from Newport received his award. Swim teacher Amie Evans from Medina Leisure Centre said:
“Harley-Jay finds life extra challenging due to his ASD and ADHD. When he started swimming he didn’t like water splashed on his face. However, over the months he has overcome his difficulties and is now confident enough to swim on his own. He’s an absolute pleasure to have in the class. Well done Harley-Jay.”
Samuel Hayles, 7, from Sandown started his swim journey 4 years ago. Swim teacher Tina Jury from The Heights Leisure Centre said:
“Sam has Asperger’s and started with one to one lessons. He soon progressed into group sessions where he works at his own pace – “Sam’s pace”. He’s an enthusiastic and lively member of the class who loves being underwater. Congratulations Sam!”
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Sky Morris, 10, from Freshwater also picked up an award. Swim teacher Anne Collins from West Wight Swimming Club said:
“Sky’s a very clever girl – always polite, tries her best and listens. She has progressed through all the stages and is now ready to join the young Olympians in the main squad. She is a pleasure to teach, well done Sky!”
The last Island award went to Tom Brailsford, 10, from Ryde. Swim teacher Todd Miller from Waterside Pool said:
“Tom has juvenile arthritis which can cause him a huge amount of discomfort and regular hospital visits. He’s an outstanding young man with sheer determination and a passion to succeed. He has come a long way with his swimming and attends every lesson with a smile. He encapsulates all that swimming should be about.”
Learn to Swim supports more than 80 pools and clubs across the region and has taught more than 750,000 children to swim since it began in 1992.
