Olympic Gold Medallist Duncan Goodhew visited Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre in Hillingdon on 25th May to present a £2,000 grant from the Swimathon Foundation.

The funding will be used towards funding free swimming lessons for adults with autism and disabilities.

Staff at Botwell Green, which is operated by charitable Social Enterprise GLL on behalf of Hillingdon Council, were aware that funding was available and found out last month that the bid had been successful.

The grant will pay for 60 swimming lessons for swimmers from the borough with disabilities. Duncan Goodhew was given a tour of the leisure centre?s aquatic facilities, met local staff and took time to talk to some of the swimmers about the benefits of swimming and learn about their enthusiasm for the initiative.

They also had the opportunity to see Duncan's Olympic torch first hand and his numerous gold medals. Commenting on the award, Botwell Green Sports & Leisure Centre Manager Charles Smith said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this funding and to be able to provide swimming coaching to both these local organisations. Swimming has so many benefits, physical, psychological and social that to be able to participate will, I am sure, be a huge boost to all those taking part."

Duncan Goodhew, Olympic Gold Medallist and Swimathon President, commented: "On behalf of Swimathon, I would like to extend a big thank you to Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre for the great work they are doing with disabled people. And personally I commend the centre for reaching out to the community and making swimming accessible to disable groups."