Aquaforce Volunteer Awards

2006 Award Winners

Four volunteers were honoured for their commitment to swimming at the ASA’s inaugural Aquaforce Awards.
Josie Grange (Nova Centurion SC, Midlands region), Andrew Walker (Lowestoft and Oulton Broad SC, East region), Jo John (Plymouth Leander SC, South West region) and Sue Clinton (Clevedon ASC, South West region) all received Aquaforce Awards at the ASA Swimtastic dinner on the 27 October.

National Award winner Josie Grange has worked with the Nova Centurion Swim Club for 30 years and has been an influential force in all aspects of Nottinghamshire swimming. The award recognises volunteers for their ongoing commitment, time and dedication at county, regional and national levels.

The Outstanding Contribution Award is given to the volunteer that has made an outstanding contribution to their club, county or region. Andrew Walker, who won in 2006, has been volunteering within the region for almost ten years and was recently made president of the Suffolk ASA. As well as co-ordinating county and club newsletters and websites, Andrew volunteers at 11 sessions a week coaching at the club.

Plymouth Leander’s Jo John received the Club Awards for her invaluable role within the club. As a qualified coach she works closely with many top young swimmers from across the county, and gives up 20 hours of her free time to coach at the club.

The Community Award is given to a volunteer for their ongoing commitment and dedication at county, regional and national levels.  Clevedon Amateur Swimming Club volunteer Sue Clinton won this award after working closely with schools organising galas and giving children the opportunity to enjoy competitive swimming.

ASA Director of English Programmes Anne Adams-King underlined the importance of the volunteers to the sport.
“The ASA relies on its army of volunteers to support the sport at local, regional, national and international level,” she said. “Without them swimming would not enjoy the success it currently does nor its mass participation rates.

“The ASA is in the process of writing its volunteer strategy to ensure we continue to attract volunteers to the sport and provide them with the necessary training and support. By honouring all volunteers we hope to underline their value to our sport and the role they play in developing athletes from grass roots to gold medals.”

Click here to read about the 2007 Awards