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Alan Canham wins 2014 Cherriman Award

Alan Canham of Harlow Penguins has been announced by British Masters Technical Committee as the winner of the 2014 Cherriman award.

The 75-year old coaches the Masters group four times a week and has seen the club grow to over 20 members over the past three years.

It is no exaggeration to say that Alan is a real unsung hero of swimming in general but of Masters swimming in particular and never seeks any recognition.

Alan has taught and coached a number of parents of the clubs’ younger swimmers, encouraging them to take up Masters swimming and then guiding them to compete for the club at County level.

The Masters group at Harlow Penguins now features a wide range of abilities and ages and would not exist without Alan’s continuing support and commitment.

Still as keen as ever

“Alan is still as keen as ever and has infectious, keen attitude towards all aspects of swimming has encouraged non-swimmers and lapsed swimmers back into the sport,” said Harlow Penguins chairman Chris Singleton.

“As well as coaching our Masters lane he has provided one-to-one sessions for swimmers who would find it difficult to complete a full set with the Masters squad.

“A real bonus for the club is the fact that Alan has encouraged these swimmers to volunteer their time for the club in a variety of roles including officiating.

“Alan will spend time with a novice swimmer and accentuate the improvement in both swimming technique and fitness levels and this is one of the major reasons why he is universally respected across the membership.

“Our most successful competitive swimmers take great pleasure in being able to impress Alan in exactly the same way as a novice Masters swimmer does when completing a full training set for the first time.

“Alan reintroduced the Masters lane at HPSC following our transfer to a new pool and this has gone from strength to strength both in terms of swimming but equally importantly by encouraging new people into the club where they will give their time as officials or volunteers.

“It is no exaggeration to say that Alan is a real unsung hero of swimming in general but of Masters swimming in particular and never seeks any recognition.”

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