Vale Council plans to extend ‘Swimability’ lessons -
17/01/07
A Vale of Glamorgan Council initiative offering youngsters with
disabilities the chance to improve their confidence and skills in
the water is set to expand in the coming year.
Launched in September, 2006, Swimability lessons are available
at the Barry Leisure Centre to youngsters aged 16 and under and
follow on from a free swim initiative during the summer
holidays.
Explaining plans to extend the scheme, Linda Ruston, Disability
Sport Wales Development Officer in the Vale, said: “As we have
already received a few enquiries for Swimability to run in the
Llantwit and Penarth leisure centres, we are now planning to train
coaches. We would welcome expressions of interest from anyone keen
to attend lessons.”
Swimability coaches, such as Faye Harding at Barry, assist
participants with learning to swim and encourage them to gain a
national award.
Expressing his support for the scheme during a visit to one of
the Swimabillty sessions at Barry, Vale Cabinet Member for Tourism
and Leisure Cllr Gwyn John said: "The team offers a tailored
opportunity that has already produced good results. I was pleased
to learn that existing Swimability participants have made good
progress in just a few months.
"Coaches report that there is lovely camaraderie, confidence
building and a real desire to achieve a valuable skill of either
learning or, indeed, improving individual swimming techniques.”
The Barry centre currently runs two Swimability sessions (Monday
and Thursday, 5.45-6.15pm) which cost £3.60 for non-members or
£3.30 for FreeStyle members.
To join existing lessons, ring either Barry centre swimming
co-ordinator Linda Smith on (01446) 744770 or Linda Ruston on
(01446) 704728 or email Lruston@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.