Congratulations Olivia!

After a challenging 2022 we wanted to round the year off with some good news stories.  We asked all of our Swimming Teachers to nominate those distinctive, very special swimmers who deserved a bit of recognition.

They were asked to identify swimmers on our lesson programmes (children and adults) who have displayed positive attitudes, unyielding determination or, have put in efforts over and above their peers.  They may have overcome personal adversity or achieved something unexpected or challenging. 

Olivia Lee - Riverside Leisure Centre's Swimmer of the Year 2022

Nominated by her teacher Lorna Furness 

I am nominating Olivia Lee as she is just an incredible little girl who does not let anything get in her way to achieving what she wants!

Olivia had a Stroke at birth and doesn't have the full use of one whole side of her body. Olivia's mum came to me after being let down from another swim school because they would not let Olivia wear a swim jacket whilst in their swimming lessons. I was more than happy to support this within our lessons here at Riverside Leisure Centre. i was just happy to get Olivia feeling comfortable in a swimming pool, getting her moving was enough.

Olivia has progressed so well on her own being in our stage 1 lessons by herself (worrying her poor mum every session), Olivia has taken off her jacket, she's used noodles on her front and back with little to no help, she joins in with the whole class just like all the other children and never lets anything stop her! Olivia is now in stage 2!! she can now use 1 float on both her front and back.

She amazes us swim teachers every session with her confidence and her ability. She gives every task her all, is so confident in the water and I've never seen anyone happier compared to Olivia when she's in the water.