Olympic swimmers tutor Swindon kids

Children from across Swindon were introduced to the Olympic sports of swimming, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming as well as being given information about nutrition, exercise, life saving and water safety. The Ocean of Fun events run by Steve Parry’s company, Total Swimming and backed by sponsors Thames Water and Sportsmatch, took place at the Swindon Link pool.

Steve Parry, who set up Total Swimming after his medal winning performance in Athens in 2004, commented:

“Oceans of Fun is designed to inform and educate children about all aspects of the aquatic sports of swimming, diving, water polo and synchro. We provide a fun environment, in which kids between 8 and 12 can learn from people who have real and current experiences of what it is like. Some may go on to compete at the highest level, whilst others will use aquatic activities to help them lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“Thanks to Thames Water and Sportsmatch we were able to continue after the 4 venue launch in London. So far the feedback has been exceptional and we fully intend to continue with Oceans of Fun and run more events across the the country.”

Thames Water's Andrea Riding said: "We are committed to the success of the 2012 Olympics and are pleased to be supporting Oceans of Fun because of its emphasis on the community and the encouragement to children to follow healthy and active lifestyle."

"We were keen to participate in the events not just because swimming is an enjoyable way to exercise but also because of the emphasis on water safety and lifesaving."

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, said: "Swindon is proud to be part of this exciting sports initiative. This is a brilliant opportunity for children to be inspired by some of Britain's top swimmers and have great fun in the pool. The event was a tremendous success and we look forward to more in the future."

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Editors notes:

Photos are available on request and are free to use for media purposes. Please contact Perfect Motion on 0115 9258777 or [email protected] for further information.

Total Swimming was set up by Olympic medallist Steve Parry in 2004. It provides support and training through swimming lessons, swimming club activities and other projects.

Along with former training partner and fellow Olympian Adrian Turner, Parry has developed a one-stop-shop for swimming lessons and swimming club activities, for the future stars of swimming, their families and their coaches.

Senior and junior swimmers, Olympic coaches, psychologists, nutritionists and commercial businesses have been consulted in the process of setting up Britain’s newest and most exciting swimming business.

Total Swimming has been consciously developed by swimmers for swimmers.

GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited) is an innovative staff led 'Leisure Trust', structured as an Industrial and Provident Society, which manages more than sixty public leisure centres within the M25 area in partnership with eleven London Boroughs, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Bellingham Community Project, the London Playing Fields Foundation, London Development Agency and Reading Borough Council