Kellogg's Aquatic Champs make a splash

We are combating the government’s decision to axe free swimming as we have become the first in the East Midlands to introduce our very own Kellogg’s Aquatic Champions.

Five Kellogg’s Champions have been recruited by Creswell Leisure Centre to try and encourage more people to take part in swimming and promote the leisure centre and its activities.

The Champions - Joyce Betts, Kevin Woods, Alan Hall, Gladys Hall and Jim Wells - have been chosen due to their constant support of the leisure centre and their personable nature. Apprentice Leisure Attendants Bethany Marshall and Nathan Peat will also join the Champions and become advocates of the centre, offering prospective new adult customers a free trial session of any adult aquatic activity, with a view to encouraging them to become lifelong visitors to the centre.

Once at the centre, an Aquatic Advisor will help each individual choose the best aquatic activity to suit them and help to give that personal touch during their visit to the leisure centre.

Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure, Councillor Ann Syrett, said “This is another of shining example of Creswell Leisure Centre leading the way when it comes to encouraging swimming and aquatic participation. The staff are always at the forefront when it comes to developing new schemes and the customers are always willing to help and join in – showing what a great community and family facility this really this.

“This is a great idea and the aquatic champs have already been out and about encouraging people to take up water based activities to help them keep fit and healthy.”

The Kellogg’s Aquatic Champions idea came from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and supported by Kellogg's to encourage participation in swimming and aquatic activities. They chose twelve people nationally to attend the initial training days to train others on the Aquatic Champions idea, one of whom was Paul Blakemore, Creswell Leisure Centre Manager.

Bruce Learner, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Kellogg’s, said: “We’re aiming to train up 1,000 Swim Champions around the country this year to remind people how enjoyable swimming can be and of course what good exercise it is. For many people, I believe that a friendly familiar face, a structured introduction, or re-introduction to the local pool is all the encouragement needed so that’s what we’re trying to do with this project.”

Roger Glithero, ASA Director for the East Midlands said, “Creswell is not the biggest of leisure centres, but I would probably class it as the most innovative centre in the East Midlands Region, and it is in the top six in the country for customer service. The way they have seamlessly integrated the scheme into their everyday activities is something to be admired and used across the country.”

If you wish to take part in the Kellogg’s Aquatic Champions scheme please telephone Creswell leisure Centre on 01909 721371 or submit an enquiry form

Date issued: 27th August 2010

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 11:15