Nominations are now open for the asa’s annual Swimtastic Awards, sponsored by Kellogg’s, which celebrate some of the country’s most outstanding achievers in the pool.

The awards are divided into ten clear categories, which recognise achievement through the Kellogg’s asa Awards Scheme.  Aimed at amateur swimmers, the awards recognise people of all ages and abilities as well as those responsible for providing learn to swim lessons.  

National winners will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the Stratford-upon-Avon Holiday Inn on 17th October 2008 where they will be able to join Britain’s top swimmers in the pool before receiving their awards at a celebration dinner and disco in the evening.

Olympic bronze medallist Steve Parry has been involved with Swimtastic for more than four years and will be hosting the awards event this year.

“Swimtastic is a brilliant way of recognising people that have achieved their personal goals in the pool, he said.  “Swimming has given me so much in my life and Swimtastic is a celebration of what the sport has done for different people at different levels.

“Learning to swim is an important life skill and with so many people achieving Kellogg’s asa Awards every year, Swimtastic highlights some of the heart-warming, courageous and motivational stories of the people involved.”

Gary Taylor, the asa’s General Manager for Awards and Merchandising, said: “As well as rewarding those amazing individuals who have achieved personal success, these awards recognise swim programmes and projects that have excelled in their delivery this year.  There are so many individuals and organisations that are worthy of this kind of recognition so we are looking forward to receiving lots of nominations!”

Bruce Learner, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kellogg’s said: “Kellogg’s have been enthusiastic sponsors and supporters of swimming for over 10 years. Swimming is a great way for the whole family to stay active and spend quality time together. These swimming Awards recognise those special people who have achieved a little more than the rest of us.”

The ten categories for Swimtastic 2008 are…

Young Swimmer of the Year
Disability Swimmer of the Year
Family Swim Award
Senior Swimmer Award
Fundraising Award
RLSS Life Saver of the Year
Facility Operator Award
Community Project Award
Swim School Award
Top Teacher Award

To find out more about each award and to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their achievements, CLICK HERE to download the official Nomination Form.  Copies can also be requested by calling 0800 220 292 or via email at swimtastic@swimming.org. 

Nominations close on 29th August 2008.

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For more information contact Claire Freeman the asa PR Assistant on 01509 632238 or email claire.freeman@swimming.org

The asa 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.

The asa Kellogg’s Awards Scheme is the most successful awards scheme in British sport and issues around two million awards every year to swimmers all around the world.

For more information about the asa Awards please see www.swimming.org