ET Comment: Swimming club is doing some great work with kids 20/02/2008

THERE'S a notion that everyone is too busy these days to get involved with voluntary efforts in the community, but thankfully there are notable exceptions.

Within the membership of clubs and associations covering practically the whole spectrum of social and sporting activity, there are people sharing their talents with others. They just don't seek, or get, much recognition for it.

So, we are delighted to highlight Deeping Swimming Club today, and reveal the great work it is doing with young people. Not only does the club hone the talents of potential swimming champs of the future, it works wonders for disabled youngsters too.

With coaching, for instance, 14-year-old Luke Jeffries has found a way of combating Down's syndrome and is now swimming competitively, setting new personal best times in disability championships recently. His mum Jane says

being a member of the club has made Luke stronger, more confident, and more outgoing.

That's a great testament to the work the club is doing. But, if Luke ever needs inspiration, he doesn't have to look further than 17-year-old boys' captain William Holland Leavens, who is also one of the club's highest achievers. And he has a form of cerebral palsy.

William says: "I have never let that stop me from doing what I want to do."

The club can take pride in the success story of youngsters like Luke and William.

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