Duncan Scott inspires next generation at Learn to Swim celebration
OLYMPIC, World and Commonwealth champion swimmer, Duncan Scott hosted a once-in-a-lifetime Learn to Swim class with young Fifers this week.
Duncan, who was recently selected for the third time to represent Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics, made a visit to Fife Sport and Leisure Trust to celebrate it being recognised as Learn to Swim Provider of the Year.
The swimming superstar led a series of exclusive sessions at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, sharing his expertise with over 200 young swimmers aged from ages 3 up to 14 years old.
Young swimmers were inspired as Duncan taught crucial water safety skills like floating and treading water, while offering top tips across the different swim strokes.
The event celebrated Fife Sport and Leisure Trust’s outstanding work in delivering the Learn to Swim National Framework which won Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year at the annual Scottish Swimming Awards in 2023.
Delivering vital lessons to over 8,100 participants a week, it is one of 38 local authorities, leisure trusts and aquatic providers delivering the Framework across Scotland – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, that has already seen over 100,000 children take part in swimming lessons up and down the country, and is targeting another 100,000 children by 2025.
Lee Cunningham, Activities Manager at Fife Sport and Leisure Trust, said: “Having a world-class athlete like Duncan visit was a fantastic way to celebrate our Learn to Swim programme’s success.
“Not only did it provide our talented teachers with invaluable inspiration, but it gave our young swimmers a truly memorable experience.
“Learning to swim is such an essential life skill that builds confidence, promotes exercise, and importantly teaches water safety. We’re committed to creating supportive environments where all children can embrace the joy of swimming.”
Duncan Scott, who is an ambassador for the Learn to Swim Framework, was delighted to share his passion for the sport: “It was incredible to see so many enthusiastic kids getting a solid foundation in the water. Programmes like this are vital for developing safe, competent swimmers from an early age.
“The Learn to Swim Framework equips youngsters with skills to stay secure whether it’s at their local pool or Scotland’s beautiful lochs and beaches.
“I hope my visit inspired them to keep pursuing swimming for all its benefits – it’s been an amazing journey for me.”
The National Framework centres on progress and enjoyment, aiming to cultivate a legacy of ‘Generation Swim’ that adopts healthy, active lifestyles.
Euan Lowe, CEO at Scottish Swimming highlighted the importance of such initiatives: “Starting children off with proper instruction builds essential skills and confidence that can inspire a lifetime enjoyment of swimming.
“Learn to Swim gives all children the opportunity to learn and enjoy being in the water in a safe way, and to have Duncan along is an inspiration for aspiring swimmers of all levels and abilities.”
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer added: “An event like this is a great way to celebrate the good work that Fife Sport and Leisure Trust is doing in their drive to encourage as many young people as possible into the pool – learning to swim is such an important safety skill.
“ Our Learn to Swim providers and our ambassadors – Duncan and Toni – all play a vital role in continuing to inspire, develop and motivate youngsters across the country to learn to swim.?
“Together, we’re making a really positive difference in creating Generation Swim, a generation of safe and competent swimmers, who not only learn a vital life skill, but will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”
Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop safe and competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.
The programme is centred around progress and enjoyment and aims to build a legacy of ‘Generation Swim’ in Scotland.
Due to the current demand of our programme, spaces are regularly filled, therefore parents and guardians in Fife are encouraged to keep an eye on https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/swimminglessons/ for upcoming opportunities to enrol in our Learn to Swim sessions.
For more information on the Learn to Swim Framework, visit: https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim
