The second phase of Scottish Swimming and Kellogg’s Swim Active programme was officially launched today at the Leisuredrome in Bishopbriggs where over 60 kids from five local primary schools took part in a Mini-Polo! festival.
Kellogg’s has been working with Scottish Swimming to develop the sport of Mini-Polo! as an alternative vehicle to encourage young people to learn how to swim. This has been very important as Richard Gordon, Director of Coaching & Development at Scottish Swimming explained,
“Swimming is still not an entitlement in schools in Scotland and where there is a Learn to Swim programme, there are often lengthy waiting lists. We wanted to offer young people who find it difficult to either access swimming lessons, or who don’t know how to swim, an alternative activity, which we hope will ultimately boost their confidence so they take the next steps and learn how to swim.
“The Kellogg’s Swim Active programme is a three-year scheme designed to break down the barriers to swimming and get an estimated 15,000 kids across Scotland more active in the water.”
With additional funding from sportscotland, East Dunbartonshire Council have taken the lead on this initiative and over the last two years have encouraged thousands of kids into the water to play Mini-Polo!
David Walker, Swimming Development Officer at East Dunbartonshire Council, added: “This has been a fantastic initiative. Around 3,000 children have enjoyed the mini-polo taster sessions. Many of them would not have come near the water because they either cannot swim or lack confidence in and around a pool environment. Mini-polo has broken down that barrier and has allowed them to get involved alongside their friends and have fun. It’s no longer a problem getting them in the water, it’s getting them out that takes the time!”
60 primary 5 pupils from Auchinairn, Killermont, Wester Cleddens and Craighead Primary Schools are taking part in the Minipolo festival. “We’re so pleased with our progress in East Dunbartonshire that we’re planning to roll out Mini-polo to other areas including Aberdeen, Argyll and Bute, Falkirk and the Highlands. Over the course of the three years we expect 10,000 more children to have a go,” said David Walker.
Bruce Learner, Community and Social Responsibility Manager at Kellogg’s, said: “While we can provide the kick-start to the day with a nutritious breakfast, we believe it is essential that people get active as well. We’re committed to getting this healthy lifestyle message across and our partnership with Scottish Swimming allows us to encourage swimming as an essential life skill, great fun and a fantastic way for people to stay active. The more that business works in partnership with communities, the more we can achieve.”
The Swim Active project is part of Kellogg’s £3million grass roots to gold medals sponsorship of the Amateur Swimming Association. Kellogg’s investment in Scottish Swimming is worth £100,000 over three years.
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For more information please contact Kirsten Phillips, Marketing & Communications Manager, Scottish Swimming on 07730 661788 or by email: k.phillips@scottishswimming.com
Or Kate Hannah at Kellogg’s press office on 0161 869 5035.
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swimming swimactive