It is an honour to have such national recognition.  Jackie says, “The vision of ESSA is to be widely recognized as the main platform for children to progress in the sport of swimming, to provide their first opportunities to take part in the sport and recognise their talents. ESSA runs Galas through 8 Divisions throughout the country. As the children progress they are able to take part in Local, Regional, National and International events.”  

Jackie’s main duties are to represent the Association at all ESSA Swimming Galas of all the disciplines (Speed swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Synchronised Swimming and Open Water swimming). She will be busy promoting the Association at the many ASA National and Regional Championships, UK Schools Games and functions to which she is invited. There’ll presentations to make, speeches to prepare and of course council meetings.

There’s interest from people in high places, which helps. “The Princes Trust is always kept up to date with our news and the Duke of Cambridge, Patron of the ESSA, is very supportive.”

“I am looking forward to promoting ESSA at events throughout the country and meeting the swimmers, divers, water polo players and synchronised swimmers in the country and all the volunteers without whom we would not be able to hold the events.”

We can bask in reflected glory! Jackie has been teaching swimming here since the 1990s and her contribution has been instrumental to the success JAPS as a whole school enjoys in swimming, winning the ASA Swimtastic Award earlier this term. http://www.jags.org.uk/news/2011/autumn/asaswimtastic.html

The photo shows Jackie in her chain of office accepting her award at the ESSA Annual General Meeting, held in JAGS Holst Hall in October 2011