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U.S. Olympic champion helps UEL take the plunge with new swimming partnership in Newham

Monday 19 September 2011

(l-r) Nick Sellwood ASA Head of Talent Development, U.S. Olympic Team breaststroke swimmer Rebecca Soni and UEL Vice Chancellor Prof Patrick McGhee

A highly-decorated member of the U.S. Olympic Team paid a special visit to UEL’s Stratford Campus Thursday night to help mark the launch of an exciting new swimming initiative in Newham.

Rebecca Soni, a U.S. breaststroke swimmer and three-time Olympic medallist, arrived onto the international scene at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, where she won two silver medals and one gold medal.

Speaking to a captivated audience of UEL students and children from Sarah Bonnell School and Newham Swimming Club, Soni spoke of the challenges she faced in becoming an Olympic champion and how she manages her gruelling training schedule in the build-up to major events.

During the event, the elite swimmer shared her excitement of the prospect of using the brand new, state-of-the-art SportsDock facility at UEL’s Docklands Campus during the London 2012 Games and commented about how this will make a big difference to athletes’ performances.

The event also witnessed the start of a new swimming partnership involving UEL, Newham Swimming Club, Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Newham Council. The partnership, which has appointed renowned Italian, Guiseppe Caporaso, as head coach, aims to increase participation, maximise swimmers’ potential, create a Beacon programme to maximise opportunities of the Olympic legacy and attract high performance swimmers, in combination with studying at UEL. There is also a clear aim to utilise the four swimming pools in Newham and the Olympic Park Aquatics Centre after the London 2012 Games.

David Cosford, Director of Sport at UEL, said: “UEL has a clear ambition to become the number one university for sport in London by 2015. Rebecca Soni is a shining example of who we should be seeking motivation and inspiration from to help us achieve that goal. This new partnership is the first step to achieving a nationally recognised and successful swim programme in the borough.”

ASA Head of Talent Development, Nick Sellwood, said: “This integrated club programme with the University of East London will provide opportunities for school-age and University swimmers to maximise their potential as an important part of the Beacon programme for East London.”

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "We were the first borough in London to introduce free swims for under 16s. The Olympics and Paralympics are all about inspiring people. This why we think this inspirational initiative is great for Newham and will help get more people fit and active. It will also ensure our clubs get the best support to allow them to grow."

UEL and British Swimming are investing in Newham Swimming Club over the next two years and will also be opening up access to UEL facilities and sports science/physio services to club members.

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Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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