'I'll carry on doing what I do', says Technical Official of the Year Maureen Davies

Maureen Davies has been recognised for her contributions to swimming over the last four decades, named Swim England’s Technical Official of the Year at the National Awards 2019.

The Officials Coordinator at Cornwall ASA has taken on a variety of roles since she began officiating in the early 1980s.

Maureen is well-respected in the South West, ‘brilliantly’ managing a team of officials with ‘absolute integrity’.

After receiving the award from Olympic bronze medallist, Maureen said: “I started in 1982 when my son started competing in swimming. I got bored of being a spectator, so I started timekeeping and I worked my way up to refereeing.

“I’ve got a lot of friends and acquaintances in swimming and they’re a nice bunch of people, we work as a team. I enjoy it, that’s the thing.

“I didn’t think I would stand a chance. OK, I’ve been nominated and I got here from the South West, but I didn’t expect this.

“I shall still carry on doing what I always do, so it doesn’t make much difference. But it’s nice for the people in the county, who think something of me.”

Woo hoo!
Congratulations Maureen ✨🥳😍🤩💕 our amazing Technical Official ✨🥳😍🤩💕✨

Big hugs from us all in #Cornwall@Sw_EngVolunteer@Sw_EngClubs@Swim_England@SwimSouthWesthttps://t.co/Pvnaoj9CCP

— Cornwall County ASA (@Cornwall_ASA) November 30, 2019

Long Service to Aquatics Award

Peter Holmes MBE received the Long Service to Aquatics Award, having been a member of Wolverhampton SC for 73 years.

At the age of 16, Peter went on tour with Great Britain’s water polo team, playing in Holland, France and Belgium.

He has also been a referee, trainer and assessor, earning an MBE for services to sport.

At the age of nearly 90, Peter is still active with Wolverhampton Council, advising on sport.

He is also chairman of the West Midland Masters Committee and is a West Midlands board member.

Wolverhampton’s Tony Ward accepted the award on Peter’s behalf.

He said: “Peter is the man everybody goes to. When it comes down to rules and interpretation, he’s the man everybody goes to.

“He leads the way for everyone else. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for him.

“I wouldn’t have done anything without his support or guidance and there are many others in the same boat.”