Two key members of South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club won awards at the 2016 ASA East Midlands awards.
Ron Pates, a stalwart for the Spalding club for nearly 40 years, was the deserved winner of the Service to Aquatics award, while Tom Hannam walked away with the Young Volunteer of the Year gong.
Next year sees the 40th anniversary of the South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club (SLCSC).
Established in 1977, one figure that was there at the beginning – and has been integral to the continued success and evolution of the club – is Pates.
Despite being in his 80s, he continues to give outstanding support to the development of the club, coaching staff and – more importantly – the swimmers.
His influence and technical training has inspired many county, regional, national and international swimmers, including Mel Marshall who not only became a world class international swimmer but is now a renowned coach.
Pates currently oversees one of the development squads and has filled every coaching role within the club including head coach.
Indeed, when the club was in serious danger of closure, he willingly put himself forward as an interim head coach to provide the necessary time to fill the appointment on a more permanent basis.
His inspirational leadership underpinned by his drive and determination not only saved SLCSC but allowed it to grow.
Hannam, meanwhile, was only seven when he started as a runner at SLCSC events, enthusiastically doing whatever he was asked, and became the “go to guy” for any small job that needed doing.
He is the expert in putting together the technical kit, microphones and sound system, always on hand to put out the pads, lane ropes and blocks.
Since then, Hannam has made himself invaluable. He works in the learner pool assisting the teachers and has now graduated to teaching and coaching at all levels in the club.
He became a level one judge soon after his 15th birthday and will shortly be doing his level two, as well as his assistant teacher and coach qualifications.
