Top Swimming Award for Guildford Mum

Local

hero Joan Swain, of Gatley Drive, Guildford, has received an Aquaforce Award in

the category 'Outstanding Contribution at County and Regional Level,' from the ASA (Amateur Swimming

Association), for her tireless work for swimming in Surrey since 1995. Joan  received her award from ASA South East Region

President, Janet Holdstock, on Saturday at the Holiday Inn, Guildford.

Joan

has had a pivotal role in Surrey swimming for many years, devoting many hours

to it, all on an unpaid voluntary basis. 

Using her skills as an accountant (JMSolutions,Guildford), Joan has

served two terms as Treasurer to the Surrey County ASA, formerly Surrey County Water

Polo & Swimming Association (SCWP&SA), from 2006 - 2009 and 2011 to the

present day.  She was also President of

the Surrey County ASA from 2009-2011 and has been a driving force on the Age

Group committee for many years, spending a significant amount of her own time

ensuring that the county's Age Group Championships run smoothly. Joan also acts

as an official at Surrey club and Schools events.

Commenting

on Joan's Award, Diane Gamble, current President of the Surrey County ASA says,

'Without

Joan, swimming in Surrey and the wider region would be all the poorer.  Her dedication and devotion to the swimmers

of Surrey and South East Region is exemplary and she has been hugely supportive

to ASA Committee members.  In particular,

during her tenure as President, Joan worked tirelessly to bring about the

reunification of Surrey Swimming following the fragmentation that occurred

after Regionalisation. From these efforts, it could be said that Joan is

almost single-handedly responsible for the current excellent state of

swimming in Surrey that we have today'.

 Joan comments, 'I have always been a keen

swimmer and first became involved in Guildford City Swimming Club in 1995, when

my three children swam there, as I wanted to do more than just spectate.  Since then I haven't looked back and I became

a poolside timekeeper for competitions, then over the years I took exams to be

a Judge, Starter and Referee.  I was surprised

and delighted to receive this award.  I

thoroughly enjoy the work I do for Surrey County ASA and would encourage anyone

with a love of sport to get involved, however they can.  You put a lot in, but you get so much back.'