A group of ASA volunteers was invited to attend the Visa Paralympic World Cup on Saturday in recognition of their commitment to disability swimming.

Ruth Gunter (Southampton), Elizabeth Christian (Ipswich), Mary Butler (Nottingham) and Neil Smith (Birmingham) were nominated by the ASA Technical Disability Swimming Committee in appreciation of their achievement within the sport, while Nick Ibrahim (London) and David Harman (Hampshire) were invited by National Development Officer Carole Barrough as a thank you for their commitment to disability swimming.

Four of the six volunteers were able to attend and, along with a guest, were provided with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Manchester Hilton.

The invitation to attend the World Cup is part of an ASA initiative to thank volunteers across the country.

“Volunteers are vital to success, development and continuation of our sports,” said ASA Volunteer Coordinator Yvette Heywood. “By inviting volunteers to national and international events we hope to go some way towards thanking them for their hard work and commitment.”

Over the next year, the ASA will invite volunteers from all disciplines to a variety of competitive events.

Nominations are still open for the ASA Aquaforce Awards. If you know a volunteer that deserves recognition on a regional or national scale, CLICK HERE for Aquaforce categories and further information.

Volunteer Information:

Nick Ibrahim
Nick Ibrahim is a Swimming Development Officer for the London Borough of Sutton and manages the disability sub committee for London Swimming in his spare time. Nick was integral to the formation of a regional swim squad, which went on to win six awards at the 2007 London Sports Awards.

Ruth Gunter
Ruth Gunter is a lane coach for Wyverns Disability Swim Team (affiliated to City of Southampton), an assistant teacher for a local disability learn to swim scheme and is assistant team manager for the South East Region.

Elizabeth Christian
Elizabeth Christian is the head coach for the teamipswich disability swim squad and is the East Region Disability Swimming Manager. Having been involved in swimming, and in particular disability swimming, for a number of years, Elizabeth is a trained IPC official and holds ASA referee, starter, judge and timekeeper qualifications.

-ENDS-

For more information contact ASA media officer Amanda Smith on 01509 632238, 07876 652 318 or email amanda.smith@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.
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