Zoe Bartlett is making a splash after earning a top award to
mark her outstanding achievement in the water.
The seven year old from Rochester, had a major fear of water
but this has not stopped her learning to swim.
Now her courage and perseverance have paid off and she is
riding on the crest of a wave after she was presented with a
Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever of the Year award.
The successful youngster was one of fifty winners from
amongst the 35,000 children taking part across the region. The
awards are given to children who have shown great courage in
overcoming particular difficulties or for their exceptional
performance.
Zoe's swimming instructor at Strood Sports Centre, Maureen
Welsh said: "Zoe was extremely frightened of the water and was
terrified of getting her face wet. She would not join in with
the rest of the class, but fortunately she never gave up. With
great courage and perseverance she has now overcome her fears
and can swim and go under water. She is a very worthy winner of
the award."
Zoe was treated to a visit by the Learn to Swim scheme mascot
Ollie the Otter, who dropped in to help her celebrate her
success.
Nigel Smetham, Southern Water's Water Manager presented the
youngster with a bag of goodies, which included a sports watch,
at a special ceremony at Maidstone Leisure Centre.
Mr Smetham said: "This is a tremendous occasion for these
children. They have proved themselves in many different ways and
made enormous achievements on the Learn to Swim scheme.
To win these awards is extremely significant because the
youngsters have been selected from 35,000 children who were
taught on the scheme last year.
We are pleased to be able to contribute to the community by
helping children learn a very valuable life skill, as well as
enabling them to reach their fullest potential."
The scheme, now in its tenth year, teaches children from 4-12
year-olds and is sponsored by Southern Water. It is run in
consultation with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).
