ASA East : Regional Aquaforce Award Winners 2008

Phil has been a member of Thurrock SC for 15 years, many of which have been spent as club secretary or club press officer. In addition to these roles, Phil manages the administration of the club's Swim Academy, organises the pool hire , has been the club's swim21 liaision officer and assists the club Welfare Officer. He is also the contact point for Essex County Championship events held at Blackshots where he officiates and acts as promoter.

Outstanding Contribution at County/Regional Level

Winner: Ian Cotton (Deben SC)

Ian has been a member of the Suffolk ASA County Executive for 7 years, during which time he has held the posts of Coach Liaison Officer, League Secretary, President and is currently the Chairman. Ian has helped the county to run numerous county development days, and also introduced the County Development Championships for swimmers who are just below County Championship Qualifying Times. Ian is the Chairman of the Suffolk Swimming Action Group and has been Chairman of the East Region swim21 Panel since 2007, and a member of the Panel since it's inception in 2004. He is also the head coach of Deben SC and has always been willing to support other clubs in the county with coaching or development support whenever necessary.

Long Service Award (25 years or more)

Winner: Sharyn Bord (Cambridge Dive Team)

Sharyn has been involved in diving for most of her life, as a competitior, coach, tutor, judge and administrator, working at club, county, regional and national level. In 1971, Sharyn became the head diving coach at Granta SC and in 1974 became Cambridgeshire ASA Diving Secretary. In 1985 she became head diving coach at City of Cambridge SC after a club amalgamation. During 1997-1999 when there were no facilities available for diving, she kept diving in Cambridge alive by taking swimmers to Bedford to dive and also using dry land training in Cambridge. At this time she also worked on the fundraising and planning necessary to support a professional diving structure in the city. In 2002 the Learn to Dive programme was set up and in 2003 the Diving Development Centre was established, with a full time coach. Sharyn also sits on the Regional Diving Committee and is a National Judge and Referee.

Young Volunteer (Under 18 years)

Winner: Laura Cotton (Deben SC)

Laura has been a member of Deben SC for ten years, first as a swimmer and more recently as a poolside helper, Level 1 Teacher, Coach and NPLQ Lifeguard. Laura teaches for three sessions a week and supports the coaching team at galas. She is the club disability liaison officer and helps to run the club's Annual Open Meet. Laura is always willing to help out as a lifeguard, covering coaching sessions or in the club administration. She is an inspirational teacher, working hard to keep her sessions fun and interesting as well as developing the swimmers skills and confidence.

Outstanding Contribution by an 18-25 year old

Winner: Oliver John Christian (teamipswich SC)

Oliver dedicates hours of time every week in teaching the swimmers with disabilities at teamipswich SC. He shows maturity and empathy in working with the children he teaches and develops not only their swimming skills and ability but also their confidence. Three of his swimmers have competed at national level within a year of Oliver beginning to coach them. He has assisted a number of parents to become involved in teaching swimming and moved the club forward in terms of the range of expertise and training that can be offered. He has made a big difference to not only the swimmers he coaches but also their families.