ASA welcomes Sport England’s confidence in participation plans
ASA Chief Executive Adam Paker has welcomed Sport Englands continued investment in swimming and aquatics following confirmation that over 6 million investment is available to the ASA to grow participation over the next two years.
Additionally, the decision to increase the funding from a one-year to a two-year investment award has been welcomed by the ASA as evidence of Sport England’s confidence in the national governing body.
While there has been a 10 per cent reduction in the remaining funding allocation, the ASA has further welcomed Sport England’s decision to keep this investment within swimming by diverting the money into pilot programmes focused on improving the experience of casual and social swimmers.
Commenting on the announcement, Paker said: “We welcome Sport England’s ongoing commitment to swimming and look forward to working closely with Sport England and our partners and using our expertise to form these programmes.
“Swimming is the most popular participation sport in England with over 2.6 million adults taking part once a week and we believe we are developing a strong strategy based on greater insight to encourage even more people to take part in swimming and other aquatic sports over the next two years.
“We are pleased that Sport England share this confidence, which they have demonstrated by giving us a two-year funding commitment.”
The ASA is committed to ensuring swimming remains accessible to all. The ongoing financial investment will be used to support and develop a variety of projects designed to encourage more people to take to the water regardless of age, gender, faith, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, economic position, disability or level of ability.
Paker continued: “Swimming is a vital life skill and a great social activity. It has many health benefits and increases an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“Our aim remains to work closely with local communities, Sport England and other partners to ensure that swimming is attractive and accessible to everyone.”
Swimming is the most popular participation sport in England with over 2.6 million adults taking part in 30 minutes of moderate intensity swimming at least once a week. In addition, each year thousands of young people start their swimming journey by learning to swim.
