Six water polo volunteers from across the country were invited to the recent LEN European Nations Trophy in Manchester in recognition of their contribution to the sport.

Gerry Lay (South East region), Eric Harrison (North West region), Steve Chambers (East region), Ron Stead (North East region) and Reg Smith (East Midland region) attended the finals weekend and were treated to dinner and accommodation as a thank you from the ASA. Kevin Flanagan of the South East region was also invited but was unable to attend.

The invite to the LEN European Nations Trophy is part of a new ASA initiative to recognise and reward volunteers for their hard work and commitment across the ASA disciplines.

Volunteers in disability swimming attended the Visa Paralympic World Cup in Manchester earlier in the year and national Aquaforce Award winners will be invited to the World Short Course Championships, also in Manchester, next year. Key diving volunteers are being invited to the FINA Diving World Series in Sheffield in September and a small group of synchro volunteers will attend a European event later this year.

ASA Volunteer Coordinator Yvette Haywood believes such opportunities go some way towards giving back to volunteers and recognising their importance to the national governing body.

“Without our volunteers there would be no sport so it’s so important to make them feel valued and appreciated,” she said. “If people don’t feel the work they do is recognised they ultimately stop doing it.

“Volunteers are key to the success of the ASA and inviting key volunteers to major events is one way of thanking them for their efforts.”

For ideas on how clubs can thank their volunteers for their hard work and commitment log onto the volunteer pages of www.britishswimming.org

-ENDS-

For more information on volunteering email volunteering@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 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim. www.britishswimming.org

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