Doomed pool named in recruitment drive

UNDER-threat Royton Sports Centre has been highlighted as having a vital role to play in unearthing the next crop of world-class British international talent.

Under a leisure services shake-up, the centre is set to close along with Crompton Pool and Fitness Centre, with the pair replaced by a new facility likely to be built in Royton.

But the existing Royton facility is among over 1,000 pools across the UK highlighted in British Swimming’s Big Splash campaign to get people swimming ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington is supporting the campaign.

The freestyle specialist started off at her local pool, Sherwood Colliery SC in Mansfield, before winning double gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

She said: “My journey towards becoming Olympic champion started by going down to my local pool with my sisters. When I first started swimming it was just to spend time with my sisters and friends and enjoy myself.

“As I got older the focus shifted to improving my fitness and technique. And the Big Splash could be how the next generation of British Olympians get into the sport but the scheme is about even more than that – it’s about people having a go.

“Local clubs and pools are the heartbeat of swimming in this country and I’m behind any scheme that encourages people of all ages to get involved and have a go.”

Miss Adlington said that swimming for 30 minutes once a week burns up to 350 calories and tones your body. But whatever your aim, little steps can have a large impact, she said, adding: “I just love being in the water so it would be great if more people could get involved, even for just 30 minutes a week.

“I just loved swimming and the fact that there are now 1,200 Big Splash pools across the country offering taster sessions and special offers is great.”

For more on swimming activities and offers, visit www.bigsplash.co.uk