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Olympians to reward St. Annes swimming star
A LOCAL schoolgirl who has overcome illness to achieve outstanding
results as a swimmer is to receive an award. Jennifer Richards (11)
from St. Annes, Lancashire, suffers from Raynaud’s, dermatomyositis
and systemic sclerosis, which causes significant joint pain and
blood supply problems causing temperature control issues when in the
pool. Now with medication, Jennifer has started swimming again and
gradually built up strength and confidence. Jennifer has won an
Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Swimtastic award for Outstanding
Achievement in swimming after earning ASA Awards for Water Skills
levels 3-6 and Swimming Challenge Bronze in just over 3 years.
Jennifer has been invited to take part in the Swimtastic swimming
festival and Gala Dinner with some of her heroes from the GB Olympic
and World Championship swimming teams, and Tony the Tiger from
Kellogg’s Frosties.
Jennifer said: “I’m surprised but really pleased with my award
and can’t wait to swim and meet the GB swimmers”.
A host of swimming stars will be at the event, including, Olympic
Bronze Medallist Steve Parry, Double Commonwealth Gold Medallist and
former world record holder Sarah Price, European Springboard Diving
Champion Tony Ally, four times Athens Paralympic Gold Medallist
David Roberts and the British National Synchronised Swimming
Champion Jenna Randall.
Steve Parry said:- “It is great to see kids like Jennifer
overcoming difficulties to enjoy and be successful in the water. She
should be really proud of her achievements and these ASA awards were
introduced to recognise the determination and strength of people
like Jennifer. Well done!”
The Awards Dinner is organised by the UK’s governing body for
Swimming, the Amateur Swimming Association, in partnership with
Award Scheme Sponsor, Kellogg’s Frosties. It is held every year with
the aim of honouring those who have made an enormous effort to
undertake their sport often ‘against all odds’.
...continued...
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...continued... David Sparkes, Chief Executive of the ASA said:- “I would like
to congratulate all of our winners. There are so many exceptional
success stories from the Kellogg’s Frosties ASA Awards Scheme that
we are proud to be able to reward at least some of them at this
special event.”
The Kellogg’s Frosties ASA Awards Scheme has helped swimmers like
Jennifer for many decades with funds generated being channelled back
into the promotion of grass roots swimming. The Swimtastic festival
and Gala Dinner will be held on Friday 18 November 2005 in
Stratford-upon-Avon.
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