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

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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.

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