Portland coach Ben Willetts has won the ASA Aquaforce award for Outstanding Contribution by a Young Volunteer for the East Midlands region!
The Club nominated Ben in recognition of the huge amount of time and support he has given over the last year.
He was presented with his award at ASA headquarters in Loughborough on Sunday 7 September and will now be put forward to the National Aquaforce Awards with winners from other ASA regions. The national winner will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 18 October – the same date as our Annual Club Champs!
Ben’s history with Portland goes back to when he joined as a swimmer at the age of 9. At 16 years old, he started lifeguarding for us. Summer last year, the Club lost key members of the coaching team and experienced difficulty covering all of the training sessions.
Ben, already a Level 2 swim instructor through his day job, began assisting at as many training sessions as was needed. As time passed, he went on to leading sessions and is now one of our main coaches, working alongside each member of the Portland team, currently 4 evenings per week, coaching all three of the Club’s squads.
Congratulations Ben for your truly deserved award and `thank you‘ from everyone at Nottingham Portland Swimming Club for your hard work, support and commitment.
Photos:
Top – Ben being presented with his award by ASA Regional President, Ralph Shepherd.
Bottom – Ben with his award poolside.
