Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, Active Together and the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) have issued a challenge to find ‘the oldest swimmer’ in the county, culminating with an event on 13th April 2010 at Loughborough University.

The British Swimming Team will present awards and celebrate the achievements and associated health benefits enjoyed by our senior swimmers.

Currently, it is believed that Mrs Pat Ward, who regularly swims at the Loughborough Leisure Centre, is the county’s oldest swimmer, at the tender age of 97!

Other examples of Leicestershire’s senior swimmers are John Walford from Lutterworth, who is 91-years-old, 89-year-old George Kirk from Langham, Oadby’s Alan Woods, who is 80-years-old and 81-year-old Norman Hamblett from Melton.

Now, LRS are keen to find out if the people of Leicestershire know any better? Are there any older swimmers out there regularly making a splash? If so, please contact Andrew Watson at Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport by April 1st, 2010, on 01509 564872 or a.watson4@lboro.ac.uk.

Swimming is a great activity for older people as it allows their bodies to tone and strengthen in a totally supported way. Regular exercise is extremely important in order to prevent serious health problems such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and some cancers. Exercising regularly combined with a healthy diet can actually reverse the symptoms of some of these diseases.

One of the swimmers, 91-year-old John Walford from Lutterworth, enjoys his time in the pool: “I can get regular exercise, irrespective of the weather and in a first class environment.”

George Kirk (89) from Langham added: “It is an exercise which helps me to keep fit and mobile and to meet friendly people, something to look forward to each week.”

Since the launch of the 60+ Free Swimming Scheme in April 2009, over 150,000 free swims have been provided in local authority swimming pools across Leicester-Shire and Rutland and this scheme is scheduled to continue until March 2011.

Andy Reed MP, Chair of Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, said: “It’s fantastic and truly inspirational to see people staying active well into their 80’s and some cases 90’s. Swimming is one of the best activities to keep you healthy and age is not a barrier to ‘taking the plunge’ in a safe environment.”