Hundreds of Sheffield school children have signed up to an exciting new initiative to encourage more youngsters into diving funded by a £10,000 contribution from Kellogg's as part of its Swim Active project.
Around 130 pupils, aged 8-12, from 15 primary schools around the region are taking part in the first "Flip n Fun" programme organised by the Amateur Swimming Association.
Flip n Fun is now part of the ASA FUN-damentals initiative developed to introduce children's first steps into diving. It has been designed to teach basic skills through a five-stage approach, with input from some of the UK's leading diving experts.
Interest in the scheme has been tremendous as it is taking place just weeks before some of the world's top divers come to Sheffield as part of the FINA Diving World Series at Pond's Forge on April 18-19.
Flip n Fun sessions will take place both on dry land and from the poolside, aimed at guiding and developing children's confidence and ability to try new skills in a safe and rewarding environment. The sessions will take place in swimming pools across the City as no diving boards are required. Once children pass the awards they will then have the opportunity to progress to Ponds Forge to start work on the ASA Diving Awards Scheme.
Bruce Learner, Corporate Responsibility Manager with Kellogg's, said "Over the last 3 years we've encouraged over 50,000 people to take up swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. By encouraging young people to take up diving we're showing them another way to have fun in the pool. We're very impressed with the way this event has been organised and promoted and we hope it inspires young people in Sheffield and further afield."
Nikki Smith, Schools' Legacy Officer for the Sheffield City Council adds: "Flip n Fun has got off to a tremendous start and we have really capitalised on the interest in diving being generated by the FINA DWS coming to Sheffield."
Of the 15 schools that start the programme, six finalists will be chosen to take part of a Flip n Fun Festival on Wednesday April 8 at Ponds Forge where they will get their chance to shine and show off their new found diving skills. All divers taking part in Flip n Fun will get certificates, with a first place trophy for the winning school as well as second and third places awarded.
"It is important we introduce diving to children at an early stage as a fun and exciting sport with endless possibilities," adds Nikki. "Sheffield has the facilities and the expert coaches on hand so who knows, we could be nurturing future Olympic medallists for 2016!"
Photo Opportunities: The festival will take place between 9.30-12.15pm on Wednesday, April 8, and will finish with a diving display at 12.15pm.
