TODAY – 6th September – double Olympic silver medallist, Duncan Scott, launches Scottish Swimming’s new National Framework for Swimming in Scotland – at Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre.
The new national framework, which has already been adopted by 16 local authorities, will eventually be rolled out across the whole of Scotland, benefiting around 100,000 children, nationwide.
The framework supports aquatic providers in the delivery of quality learn-to-swim
programmes, contributing to Scottish Swimming’s vision, Everyone Can Swim.
The joint launch event – between Scottish Swimming and partners: Aberdeen Sports Village, Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen Amateur Swimming Club (AASC) – presented Scottish Swimming’s new National Framework for Swimming in Scotland, which shows a clear pathway from the early years through to club-ready swimming.
While not every child who learns to swim will make it to the Olympics, Scottish Swimming is proud to share Duncan Scott’s story as someone who has completed the aquatic pathway over 15 years and enjoyed recent success at the top level in the sport.
Says a spokesperson: “With an estimated 40 per cent of children still unable to swim by the time they leave primary school, there has never been a more crucial time to roll out the National Framework for Swimming in Scotland.
“The Framework highlights the importance of swimming from as early an age as possible as the first seven years are the most influential in establishing good exercise habits and setting foundations for learning throughout life.
“Establishing a good relationship with water at an early age helps encourage lifelong participation. What is more, the new framework makes learning fun and it encourages children to take the next steps on the swimmer pathway in to club swimming.”
Ally Whike, director of Performance, adds: “Learning to swim is an essential life skill.
“By getting the fundamentals right at as early an age as possible, by developing a love for the sport and by progressing through achievable steps on the aquatic pathway, children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are opened up to a range of opportunities.
“Swimming is a sport for all and a sport for life. While some children will progress into performance through the aquatic pathway; others will enjoy the fun, fitness and friendship that comes with a high participation sport.”
Sharon MacDonald, director of Development, echoed Whike’s comment.
She said: “Swimming is a fantastic sport which can be started just as soon as the parent is confident enough to take their baby along to the pool.
“The framework starts with ‘early years’ classes which provide fun games and activities which can also be practised at home in the bath.
“It leads on to swim skill levels which develop the aquatic competences needed for swimming as well as other disciplines such as diving, synchronised swimming, water polo and water safety skills.
“Ultimately, it leads to the child becoming club-ready or ready for lifelong participation.”
Added Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport: “This is a valuable initiative that will benefit thousands of children across Scotland. Swimming is a great activity, whether you enjoy it as a competitive sport or a recreational pastime.
“I hope that for many children these lessons will be the start of a lifetime of enjoyment.”
ENDS
Available for interview:
Sharon MacDonald, director of Development at Scottish Swimming
Ally Whike, director of Performance at Scottish Swimming
Duncan Scott, double Olympic silver medallist, Rio 2016
Available for photo call
Sharon MacDonald, director of Development at Scottish Swimming
Ally Whike, director of Performance at Scottish Swimming
Duncan Scott, double Olympic silver medallist, Rio 2016
Photographs of Duncan at the launch will be made available on request after the event.
Please contact h.plank@scottishswimming.com
Editor’s notes:
About Scottish Swimming
Scottish Swimming is the national governing body for swimming in Scotland.
Scottish Swimming represents our clubs, swim schools, aquatic disciplines, athletes, coaches and thousands of talented and committed volunteers across the entire swimmer pathway.
We are focused on delivering in the following key areas to reach our vision to ensure that everyone can swim: learn to swim, participation in aquatic activities, club development, coaching partnerships and performance.
For more information, visit www.scottishswimming.com
About Sport Aberdeen
Sport Aberdeen is a registered charity and its aquatics programme provides swimming facilities across the city which offer high-quality swimming tuition for all ages and abilities.
With a focus on teaching children and adults to swim safely, and provide them with the platform for an enjoyable swimming experience, Aquatics Aberdeen has progressed to become one of the leaders in the local region.
This development has been recognised and enhanced through working with other bodies such as Scottish Swimming, RLSS and local swimming clubs.
For more information visit http://www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/aquatics
About Aberdeen ASC
Aberdeen Amateur Swimming Club is an independent club and its Learn to Swim programme is tailored so that the swimmers develop all the basic skills required for competitive swimming.
We teach swimmers water safety and the basics of the strokes, so that swimmers benefit through improved health and increased self–confidence.
It is acknowledged that swimming is a life skill which every child should have. We also encourage participation in other aquatic disciplines such as diving, water-polo and synchronised swimming.
For more information, contact alisonjlow@btinternet.com
About Aberdeen Sports Village
ASV is recognised as the premier sports facility in the North-east of Scotland and home to an array of first-class sporting facilities and events.
ASV aims to deliver high quality sports services and opportunities for all at the home of sport in the North-east. The facility, which opened in 2009, is the result of a joint venture by funding partners the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland.
For more information, please visit www.aberdeensportsvillage.com
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Contact: Kirsten Phillips
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Email: k.phillips@scottishswimming.com
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