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	British Swimming & the asa Announcements

	BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR The time has come for the British public to select their BBC Sports Personality of the Year and with Rebecca Adlington now named in the shortlist for the national award, British Swimming are calling on the aquatic community to get behind her and vote for her to become the first aquatic athlete to win the award for over 45 years. Please CLICK HERE to see how you can vote. Double Paralympic gold medallist Eleanor Simmonds and FINA Diving World Series gold medallist Tom Daley have also been short-listed in the final three for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony, which is being held at the Liverpool Echo Arena on December 14th. Now in its sixth year, the Unsung Hero of the Year award, which is sponsored by Robinsons, is given to a volunteer who has made a difference to their community through sport.

Headline News

	SWIMMING REPRESENTED AT TOP EU FORUM 02 Dec 2008 British Swimming has been raising the unique demands of aquatic sports at the first ever EU Sport Forum. more -->
British Swimming has been raising the unique demands of aquatic sports at the first ever EU Sport Forum. The European Commission organised the forum to discuss legal, political, financial and policy issues related to sport and specifically the implementation of its 2007 White Paper on Sport and the financing of grassroots sport. About 200 representatives from key sport stakeholders were at the event, including David Sparkes, British Swimming Chief Executive, and Sarah James, the asa’s Legal Officer. Over the course of the two days (26 and 27 November) organisations like the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and the European Club Association (ECA) debated issues directly linked to the implementation and follow-up of the White Paper. And Miss James acknowledged how important it was for the aquatic sports to be represented. She said: “Our presence meant we were able to ensure that the word ‘sport’ at a European level doesn’t becomes synonymous and monopolised by the issues and interests of the larger spectator sports. “Swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming all have their very unique concerns, and it is important that these should be adequately represented and addressed. I do believe that a message was conveyed by our attendance, and that of other sports, that football cannot be allowed to dominate the European sports agenda with its focus on issues such as salary caps, which are of little relevance to our sport. “We hope our presence will help to ensure that each of our disciplines may be able to achieve its full potential without undue legal encumbrance.” On the agenda at the event were two high-level panel debates; the first dedicated to the financing of grassroots sport and the second covering the specificity of sport, i.e. the exceptions to legislation that should be granted to sport because of its unique nature. Miss James added: “The sessions on the White Paper in Sport, grassroot funding and specificity in sport all had resonance; and any greater certainty of the legal context in which sport operates must be welcome across the board. “As a sport we have a very real contribution to make to every area of the European debate, whether in terms of health and cultural initiatives; grassroots participation; or the impact of European law upon sporting rules. “On a personal level, I considered myself to be truly privileged to witness first-hand the dynamics of the event. This was not just any event but one which marks something of a watershed and it was re-assuring to perceive that our work in this area has a purpose and that a two-way dialogue with the European Union is possible. “We look forward to maintaining and further developing these links with Europe.” The EU Sport Forum will now become a key annual event within the EU, allowing structured dialogue on sport. -ENDS- For more information contact the asa PR Manager Sharon Rose on 01509 632262, 07876 652318 or email sharon.rose@swimming.org The asa is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The asa supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The asa aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim. About Kellogg The Kellogg Company was founded in 1906 and today produces 40 different cereals including popular brands such as Special K, Cornflakes and Coco Pops, and 56 different snacks including brands such as Nutri-Grain, FruitaBu and Special K snacks. About Speedo® Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

	COMMONWEALTH GAMES TEAM POSITIONS SOUGHT 02 Dec 2008 Three key candidates are being sought by the asa to head up the England Commonwealth Games Aquatics team at the Delhi Games in 2010. more -->
Three key candidates are being sought by the asa to head up the England Commonwealth Games Aquatics team at the Delhi Games in 2010. the asa is seeking to expand its skilled group of volunteers by appointing a team leader, head coach and team manager of the Commonwealth Games team. The team leader will provide overall operational and team leadership for the England Commonwealth Games swimming team. This will include developing team staff roles and responsibilities, assisting in the development of policies and defining a successful team ethos. As head coach, the role requires advising on the selection of team coaches and athletes as well as coaching and mentoring the team to achieve objectives. The team manager will ensure all team logistical arrangements, including team and entry lists, are in place for the holding camp and during the actual games. All candidates must have relevant proven experience at a high domestic level with excellent leadership and communication skills. Knowledge of the technical requirements and of the LTAD framework are essential. The closing date for these volunteer positions, relevant expenses to be reimbursed, is 6th January 2009 with interviews scheduled to take place from 26th January. For further details please click here -ends- The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim. About Speedo® Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

	BBC YOKSHIRE SPORTS AWARDS NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED 02 Dec 2008 City of Leeds swimmer Matthew Johnson has been nominated for the BBC Yorkshire Sports Awards, for the third year running. more -->
City of Leeds swimmer Matthew Johnson has been nominated for the BBC Yorkshire Sports Awards, for the third year running. He has received nominations for the Junior Sportsman of the Year category, for which he was runner up in 2006 and 2007, aged 11 and 12 respectively. Johnson competed at this years’ asa National Age Group Championships and won eight of his eleven events, and claimed bronze in the other three. He was named the BAGCAT champion in the boys’ 13-years age group, and won a financial grant towards his training fees. The awards ceremony, which is held on December 8th, recognizes the personal achievements of junior, seniors and teams, as well as able-bodied and disabled athletes. The seven categories of awards are: Junior Boy Junior Girl Top Male Achiever Top Female Achiever Junior Team Senior Team Disability -ends- For further details contact British Swimming Media Assistant Natalie Hassall on 01509 632236 or natalie.hassall@swimming.org. British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (Amateur Swimming Association), Scotland (Scottish Amateur Swimming Association) and Wales (Welsh Amateur Swimming Association). British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. About Speedo® Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

	ADLINGTON SHORTLISTED FOR BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY 02 Dec 2008 Double Olympic Champion Rebecca Adlington has taken a step closer to clinching the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award after being named on the shortlist for the national prize. more -->
Double Olympic Champion Rebecca Adlington has taken a step closer to clinching the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award after being named on the shortlist for the national prize. The BBC have named their top 10 athletes for the SPOTY award and Adlington is one of seven Olympic athletes that have made it onto the list. The world record holder has already picked up LEN European Female Swimmer of the Year and the SJA Sportswoman of the Year and with only 12 days to go until the BBC SPOTY Awards, Adlington is currently second favourite with the bookies to win the National award. British Swimming are encouraging everyone to get behind Adlington to help her claim the title ahead of current odds-on favourite Lewis Hamilton, and become the first aquatic athlete to win the award for 45 years. The BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award top three sees two aquatic stars featuring alongside tennis player Laura Robson. Reigning winner Tom Daley finds himself in the top three for the second year running and Double Paralympic Champion Eleanor Simmonds sees herself nominated for the award after showing her talent in Beijing. For information on how to vote for the Queen of the pool CLICK HERE and to view SPOTY extra backstage footage of Rebecca Adlington CLICK HERE -ENDS- For further details contact British Swimming Media Officer Gemma Field on 01509 632262, 07917 726431 or email gemma.field@swimming.org British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (Amateur Swimming Association), Scotland (Scottish Amateur Swimming Association) and Wales (Welsh Amateur Swimming Association). British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. About Speedo® Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

	OLYMPIANS TO ATTEND OCEANS OF FUN EVENT 01 Dec 2008 Children across the North East are being given the opportunity to meet Olympic Diving silver medallist Leon Taylor, Double Commonwealth gold medallist Chris Cook and Commonwealth water polo medallist Fran Leighton during a Fun Day Event. more -->
Children across the North East are being given the opportunity to meet Olympic Diving silver medallist Leon Taylor, Double Commonwealth gold medallist Chris Cook and Commonwealth water polo medallist Fran Leighton during a Fun Day Event. The ‘Oceans of Fun Day’ which is taking place tomorrow, (December 2nd) is a fun-filled multi-aquatic experience, hosted by Olympians, giving the community opportunities to try all areas of aquatics. The event will introduce over 200 children to the Olympic sports of swimming, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming and they will learn about life saving and water safety. The children will also have the opportunity to race an Olympian and will finish the day by posing for photographs and getting autographs from athletes. The event is run by Olympic medallist Steve Parry’s Total Swimming for Northumbrian Water, Everyday Swim and asa Swim North East, and is designed to inspire a new generation to follow a healthy and active lifestyle. The aim of the Everyday Swim project in Easington is to join with existing projects and work with partners to develop new initiatives to tackle obesity and increase the level of activity in the district as a whole. By combining with other projects the aim of the day is to inspire children to get involved with aquatic sports and gives leisure centres the opportunity to showcase the different activities they have on offer. Steve Parry who set up Total Swimming after his medal winning performance in 2004 said: “Oceans of Fun is run by Olympians and we are delighted to receive support from Northumbrain Water, the Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Peterlee, Everyday Swim and asa North East to make this a truly inclusive and exciting community event. “The emphasis of all our events is on fun, and by exposing kids to strong role models we aim to inspire them to follow their dreams. “Hosting the 2012 Olympic Games will undoubtedly have a massive impact on the next generation of young hopefuls. We are trying to get them excited now so that some of them might be in the frame for success in 2016 and beyond. The emphasis though is fun, health and a memorable day at the pool.” Louise Hunter, head of corporate responsibility at Northumbrian Water, which have provided additional funds allowing this event to take place, said: “Northumbrian Water prides itself on being immersed in community life in the North East and this event is a natural extension of our ‘Water for Health’ campaign, which encourages people to lead a healthy lifestyle. “We hope that the school children taking part will be inspired to have fun in the water and will learn about drinking enough water too!” The event is taking place at two locations on the same day. The morning session (9am-12pm) will be held in the new 50m pool in Sunderland’s Aquatic Centre, and the afternoon session will take place at Peterlee Leisure Centre from 1pm-4pm. To read more information on Oceans of Fun Day, CLICK HERE -ends- For further details contact Natalie Hassall, Media Assistant on 01509 63236, or email natalie.hassall@swimming.org The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim. Speedo® is the world's leading swimwear brand. Founded in Sydney in 1928 Speedo has over 75 years of heritage and expertise in swimwear and launched the FASTSKIN® FS-PRO, the fastest most powerful lightweight suit on the market, in 2007. Speedo is the Official Supplier to British Swimming and the ASA and provides valuable investment for swimming from grassroots through to elite level. www.speedo.co.uk About Kellogg The Kellogg Company was founded in 1906 and today produces 40 different cereals including popular brands such as Special K, Cornflakes and Coco Pops, and 56 different snacks including brands such as Nutri-Grain, FruitaBu and Special K snacks.

	BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS - DATES ANNOUNCED 01 Dec 2008 British Swimming has announced the dates of the British Championships (50m) to be held in March 2009. more -->
British Swimming has announced the dates of the British Championships (50m) to be held in March 2009. The British Championships will be held at Ponds Forge in Sheffield from Monday 16th to Friday 20th March. A programme for the event will be published on the British Swimming website soon. -ends- British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (Amateur Swimming Association), Scotland (Scottish Amateur Swimming Association) and Wales. (Welsh Amateur Swimming Association) British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. About Speedo® Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

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Other News

PARENTS PRAISE SWIM21 ACCREDITATION 27 Nov 2008

Parents have given their almost universal backing to swim21 – the asa’s club accreditation scheme – for maintaining ‘standards of excellence within swimming.’

In the first survey of its kind, 89% of parents said that it was important or very important for their child to be involved in a club with swim21 status.

Two thirds of parents also said swim21 accreditation would influence which club they would send their child to.

swim21 is the asa’s ‘quality mark’ and its way of ensuring every athlete – whatever their age or level of experience – belongs to a club that provides the best possible support and environment.

Specifically it’s about putting the swimmers first and ensuring young athletes are following the pathway the asa recognises for training and competition (via the principles of Long Term Athlete Development).

When asked why swim21 was so important one parent said it was because “I know staff are child protection aware, they are qualified, there is structure to the club for movement/development and I get what I pay for!” While another simply added it ‘maintains standards of excellence within swimming.’

Two in three parents also said they had seen improvements in their child’s club since they had become accredited.

David Sparkes, the asa’s Chief Executive, said: “the asa is keen to promote swim21 because we know it is a great development tool that allows athletes, teachers, coaches and administrators to continually improve and reach their full potential.

“It is great to see that the parents of swimmers also recognise how important the scheme is and for us to learn that it really does influence their choice of club.

“Clubs who currently do not have swim21 accreditation should take note of this because not only does it mean their current swimmers and non-swimming members are missing out, it could also mean they are not attracting the talent of tomorrow.”

The asa gathered the information at two major swimming events for young people – the asa’s National Age Group Championship and the UK School Games in Summer 2008.

The survey is part of a whole raft of work the asa has been carrying out to see how it can improve the already successful swim21 scheme.

All of the 103 parents who took part in the survey were entered into a free prize draw and Linda Cheston and her daughter Lauren (pictured) from Southport were drawn randomly as the winner of British Swimming goodies, including a cap signed by double Olympic Champion Rebecca Adlington.

Lauren - the winner of the British Swimming goodies

-ENDS-

For more information contact the asa PR Manager Sharon Rose on 01509 632262, 07876 652318 or email sharon.rose@swimming.org

The asa is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The asa supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The asa aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

About Kellogg
The Kellogg Company was founded in 1906 and today produces 40 different cereals including popular brands such as Special K, Cornflakes and Coco Pops, and 56 different snacks including brands such as Nutri-Grain, FruitaBu and Special K snacks.

About Speedo®
Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brand celebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefines swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created; meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garçons put Speedo® at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo® is owned by Pentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

BECOME A TUTOR FOR THE ASA'S COURSES 26 Nov 2008

SWIMMING CLUB DISCOUNT FOR CENTENARY OLYMPIC RUGBY REMATCH 06 Nov 2008

Qualifying Times for the asa National Age Group and Youth Championships 2009

Further guidance on pupil to teacher ratios