National Lottery thanked for funding schemes to help get nation swimming

The chief executive of Swim England has thanked the National Lottery for funding ‘groundbreaking new schemes’ to help get the nation swimming.

Jane Nickerson has hailed the Because You Play campaign launched to mark the National Lottery’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Swim England is also one of 25 sporting organisations in the UK that has signed an open letter celebrating the impact National Lottery players have had on grassroots sport.

Jane said: “To celebrate the 25th birthday of the National Lottery, we want to say thank you.

“Since the National Lottery came to the UK in 1994, grassroots sport across the nation has benefitted so much from funding that comes from your lottery ticket.

“Here at Swim England, your contribution has helped us provide opportunities to all aquatic disciplines for so many people.

“Because You Play the National Lottery, we have been looking at traditional and alternative ways of ensuring people of all ages and from all backgrounds are able to enjoy the water safely.

“We want to get the nation swimming. To do that, lottery funding helps us work closely with decision makers across the country to ensure swimming is taught in primary schools, is seen as a way of supporting the NHS and that local communities have access to the swimming pools they deserve.

“Our groundbreaking new schemes, such as our Water Wellbeing programme, use the very latest technological innovations to offer bespoke activities for people with, or at risk of, long-term health conditions.

“From the thousands of youngsters at local clubs aspiring to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Adam Peaty and Freya Anderson, to the rising number of people going swimming to gain the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the pool, these opportunities are made possible Because You Play.

“From everyone at Swim England, thank you. Because You Play, swimming and all aquatic activity is making dreams come true across the country.”