South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club were proud to receive its Clubmark/swim21 certificate from Olympic Swimmer Ross Davenport.

Davenport took a break from training in Loughborough for the evening to present the club with its certificate. He also took the time out to chat to coaches, parents and swimmers - and to sign a few autographs!

South Lincs Swimming Club gained accreditation in November, but the presentation delay was worth the wait.

Sally Hook is the South Lincs swim21 coordinator. She said:

"Ross spent a lot of time with the swimmers and the committee talking, having photos taken, and watching the swimmers. He was very smart and charming and left with a few more fans!"

South Lincs Competitive Swimming club has been working hard since developing as a competitive swimming club in 1977, when they were under the watchful eye of future Great Britain Swimming Coach Ian Turner.

The club has gone from strength to strength and has National and Midland swimmers amongst its talent pool. Since new coach, Sarah Handley, was appointed as Head Coach in March 2009, the club has seen real progress with the swimmers attitude and performance.

Lynsey Norris is the Swimming Development Officer at the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, and is pleased with the recognition that a local swimming club has achieved. She said,

"For South Lincs to have been awarded swim21 is a real achievement. I know a lot of hard work and volunteer hours went into completing it - but its worth it in the end!"