Fenland woman named as new English Schools’ Swimming Association president

A FENLAND woman is hoping to improve swimming standards and participation of children across the area after being named as the English Schools’ Swimming Association president on Saturday.

Sheron Spibey, a 58-year-old from March, was presented at the organisation’s annual meeting which was held at the Oliver Cromwell Hotel in March. It is believed to be the first time the ESSA have held it in Fenland.

Brian Brinkley, who won a bronze medal in the 4x200 metres freestyle relay at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, was among the high-profile figures to attend.

A delighted Mrs Spibey said: “I’ve very proud to become president of this organisation.

“This really puts swimming in Fenland on the map. This year we’re actively moving forward with our partnerships with British Swimming. We’ve always worked with them but now we want to work closer.

“My main aims are to get more people involved in swimming and improve standards across the area.”

Spibey brings a wealth of experience to the position and has been involved with swimming for 36 years.

She has taught youngsters across the Fens for the last 30 years and draws on her personal experiences of swimming at county level to encourage 5-18 year-olds to take up the sport for a variety of reasons.

“Swimming is a great way to exercise but socially it opens so many doors,” she said.

“My three children swam originally with March Merlins, swam for Peterborough and then represented their universities. Swimming opened up their lives. The know people across the country and as a result others in America too.

“Swimming opens up massive opportunities to develop as a person and improve confidence. It’s also good being able to swim because it can save your life.”