What a weekend! James Allen’s Preparatory School girls have been swimming with the stars - swimmers, divers and water polo players from the GB Team who will be competing in the Olympics next year. At the ASA Kellogg’s Swimtastic Awards Dinner held in Sheffield on Saturday 5^th November, six Year 6 swimmers representing JAPS were thrilled to meet double Olympian Steve Parry who presented them with the Dolphin Trophy, a prestigious national award from the English Schools’ Swimming Association. What’s so remarkable is that the award reflects the exceptional standard of swimming all year by all girls from Year 1-Year 6. It wasn’t a particular competition. Girls won the award for achieving the highest standards in school swimming lessons and achieving the most badges throughout the year. What a brilliant acknowledgement of the work the girls and their teachers do.

Head of PE Mrs Emma Woodward said, “It was an amazing evening. First we listened to some humbling stories of people young and old who have overcome adversity through swimming. The excitement grew and finally it was JAPS’ turn to collect its award. Our Swimming Captain was interviewed on stage by Steve Parry in front of 500 guests. She was as cool as a cucumber and a credit to the school, as were all of our Year 6 girls representing the school. Swimming can bring so much to so many and the evening was a true reflection of just how wonderful this sport can be.”

After the awards ceremony, the girls danced the night away along with their new found friends, the GB Ladies Water Polo Team. Congratulations girls!