CARNEGIE Swimming Club have been feted with an award from a national charity in recognition of their work supporting the health and wellbeing of young people.
Children's Health Scotland, an independent organisation that is dedicated to promoting and championing the needs of children, young people and their families at times of illness, have presented the club with their Scottish Children's Health Award.
They were nominated by the mum of one of their younger swimmers, Lily, who has ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), in recognition of their efforts to support her.
Having previously been asked to leave other swimming clubs, who were unable to adapt to her needs, she is now thriving with Carnegie.
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Club president, Alan Gill, told Children's Health Scotland: "We work hard at Carnegie Swimming Club to understand all young peoples’ needs, and the coaching team are experienced at finding ways to adapt sessions to ensure all swimmers feel a sense of accomplishment from every training session and competition they take part in.
"Swimming is the perfect sport for Lily as it helps her to put her high energy levels into something she really loves doing.”
A registered charity themselves, Carnegie has more than 220 members, from the age of four upwards, training and competing at all levels, led by head coach, Susan Taylor.
They provide around 60 hours of training each week, thanks to its hard-working committee, which also allows swimmers to learn important skills in a supportive environment, where they are encourage to set goals and work to achieve them.
"These goals may be small for some, but huge for others," Alan continued.
"Every goal achieved brings joy to each swimmer and encourages them to achieve the next steps. The sport develops physical and mental strength, which we see in swimmers of all ages.
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"I just love seeing the effort that swimmers of all abilities put in. When you see them grinning broadly after a hard training set or after learning a new skill, you just know that we’re doing something very special for them.
"This also applies to our coaching team, they work so hard and it’s great to see them enjoying the achievements of their swimmers, they genuinely care."
The Children's Health Scotland judging panel noted the efforts of the club in making swimming accessible to all, with para-swimmers training and competing alongside their able-bodied peers, as well as the wider educational focus, and organising of activities outside the pool, to widen the experience for those involved.
Alan added: "I hope that winning this award will bring swimming to the attention of more people in the country as a sport that’s for everyone, knowing that coaches are able to work with swimmers of all abilities and allow all young people to create amazing experiences, make long lasting friends and learn to live a healthy and fulfilling life."
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