Annual Conference 2008

London Swimming held its Annual Conference including its AGM on the 14th September at St Paul’s School in Richmond.

This built on last years event with over 150 people enjoying master classes, workshops, youth council and our Aquaforce and Regional Awards Ceremony. International Swimming Coach Nick Juba and fresh from Beijing Adam Brown delivered a superb master class for competitive swimmers. Three time Olympian Tony Alley and former French Team Coach Alex Rochas delivered the Diving master class in the gym putting some of London’s divers through their paces. Parents weren’t missing out as Physio Jonathan McCormish explained about flexibility, core stability and avoiding injury. Clubs attended the London Annual Council and questioned the board and discipline managers on their annual report. A real highlight for some was having a real insight into how Aquatics Centre is developing including photos taken from the site that week. This was followed by the Aquaforce and London Swimming Awards which gave the Region the opportunity to thank some of those who have made outstanding contributions during the last year. Following a great health lunch the afternoon involved a whole range of workshops including – Training for older athletes, Coach and Athlete Performance, Swim 21 update, Building a Workforce for competition to take us beyond 2012 and a Youth Council. The last item allowed the younger athletes an opportunity to have their say on how they think the sport should be run and taken forward. When you consider that approx 60% of the ASA’s membership is under 16 years such opportunities should be the rule rather than the exception. The day was concluded by a compelling Olympic journey by Blake Aldridge. Blake spoke honestly and inspirationally about the challenges he had faced throughout his career and how that culminated in Beijing. He talked passionately about the need to set goals and to constantly raise the bar of your own performance.

Two of the quotes we received in feedback summed up the day:
“I expected to be bored while my child attended the master classes. I was so excited when I realised that the workshops had been put on for me and were at the right level. The Olympians were so inspiring we both had a terrific day and will certainly be signing up for any further master classes / workshops run like this”.

“I have never met any Olympians before – to meet three on one day was just amazing.
I saw what the Olympic Swimming pool is going to look like and this has really inspired me”.