Swim England Artistic Swimming

The home of artistic swimming in England

Artistic swimming awarded £192,500 from government's Aspiration fund

Artistic swimming is to receive a cash boost from the government’s £3m Aspiration fund.

Great Britain’s programme will receive a total of £192,500 from the fund, which was was announced in October by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch to support Olympic and Paralympic sports that do not currently receive full UK Sport funding.

The cash boost has been welcomed by Swim England Chief Executive Jane Nickerson, who said: “We’re thrilled that the government has recognised that artistic swimming is growing in popularity and deserves additional funding to support the sport.

“Great Britain’s results at the junior and senior major competitions this year showed the potential of our elite athletes and they are inspiring future generations to take up the artistic swimming.

“This financial boost will enable us to look at creating a legacy for youngsters starting out in artistic swimming and allow our elite athletes to follow their dreams of reaching the Tokyo Olympic Games.

“We are grateful the government and UK Sport are also behind that goal.”

Karen Thorpe, artistic swimming manager for Swim England, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from UK Sport, which will strengthen our progress to the Olympic Games.

“The funding will help us to access support services and enable the athletes to work with professionals in strength and conditioning, nutrition and psychology.

Determined to make them proud

“It will also enhance the elite training environment and give the athletes the very best opportunity to qualify and reach our target at the Games.

“The artistic swimming community is encouraged by the support of the national governing body and UK Sport, and we are determined to make them proud.

“The athletes see this as a milestone towards qualifying for the Games, and are working hard to be ambassadors to the sport and to all young people training across country in various sports to achieve their dreams.”

Swim England will work closely with British Swimming to ensure an inspirational impact is delivered alongside qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.

George Wood, Swim England Sport Development Director, said: “We are delighted that Artistic Swimming has been awarded funding from the Aspiration fund. This reflects the dedication and determination of the Artistic Swimming staff, volunteers and community who have continued to push the sport forward during the past few years.

“Swim England looks forward to continuing to support British Swimming and inspiring future generations through our new Synchro City programme and using the Olympic journey to raise awareness, engage and celebrate the sport through all our digital channels.” 

Jack Buckner, British Swimming Chief Executive, added: “This is wonderful news for the sport. 

“The current programme has made huge steps forward in recent years with ever improving results and rankings, and this additional financial support will enable to the athletes to continue to strive towards the Olympic Games.

“We are grateful as ever for the continued support from UK Sport and the government that enables us to further develop and promote aquatic sports in this country”.

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