Olympic superstar opens new pool
Girls at The Queen’s School were delighted when Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE joined them for the day as she opened the school’s new swimming pool.
The Olympic silver medal winner and holder of two Commonwealth gold medals, who now works as a sports commentator and motivational speaker, was clearly impressed by the airy, elegant building which is situated at the Lower School site on Liverpool Road and enjoys open views over the school’s expansive playing field and tennis courts.
Addressing the girls, Ms Davies impressed upon her audience the importance of swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle and encouraged the girls to swim regularly, whether they competed or not. She told guests, who included the Sherriff of Chester, David Hull: “In these days when so many pools are closing, it’s a great pleasure to be opening a facility like this. You are lucky to have such a beautiful new pool and it’s up to you now to make full use of it.”
The headmistress of The Queen’s School, Mrs Catherine Buckley reminded the guests of the history of the pool and the decision taken by the Board of Governors to replace the existing building which had been badly damaged in the gales of 2007. The pool had originally been built with funds raised through the energetic efforts of girls and parents. Their inspired fund-raising included growing mushrooms in the cellars of the school and collecting pennies.
Mrs Buckley also welcomed Colonel and Mrs Armstrong who, as parents, had played an active role in the 1960’s in helping the school realise its dream of having its own swimming pool.
After the opening the guests were invited to watch two demonstration races by the Queen’s Lower School swim team. Impressed with the obvious ability and dedication of all the girls who took part, Ms Davies then presented the Lucy Simpson Swimming Award to Year 6 student, Kimberly Meredith.
Built by James Carroll Limited and designed by Cheshire Architects, The Queen’s School swimming pool cost just under £1 million pounds to complete.
Ends: 341 words
For more information and photos (300dpi) visit:
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/the-queens-school-chester-cheshire
Captions:
Sharron Davies MBE opens the new £1 million swimming pool at The Queen’s Lower School
Editors notes:
Sharron Davies MBE Biography:
The swimming pool was opened by swimmer Sharron Davies MBE, who first competed for Britain in the 1976 Montreal Olympics aged 13. However, it was in 1978 when Sharron created a splash, winning two gold medals at the Commonwealth games. She then went on to win a silver medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, finishing just behind East German Petra Schneider. After a brief break, Sharron returned to competing in 1989 going on to captain Britain’s 1990 Commonwealth Games quad. She returned with silver and bronze medals.
Sharron has been twice voted British Press Sportswoman of the Year, and has made 200 British records, including the 400 individual medleys, which still stands today. She also has 5 World Masters records, and was awarded an MBE by the Queen for services to sport.
Swimming
Started swimming at 11, first competed in the Olympics aged 13, but did not win any medals.
1977 2 Bronze medals European Championships
1978 2 Gold medals, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Commonwealth Games
1980 1 Silver Medal Olympics
Took a break from swimming
1990 1 Silver Medal , 1 Bronze Medal Commonwealth Games
Finally retired from swimming in 1994, having broken 200 British swimming records, including the still standing 20-year-old 400 IM and 5 World Masters.
TV Personality
1981 Sporting Superstars
1995 Gladiators
1996 Presented The Big Breakfast
2008 Superstars (revival)
2008-9 Question of Sport Appearances
BBC – Regular Swimming Commentator
Seoul, Atlanta, Athens, Sydney and Beijing Olympics Commentator
Personal Life
2003 Awarded MBE for Services to Swimming
3 Children – Elliott, Grace, Finlay
Patron of Disabled Sport England and The Sports Aid Foundation.
Face of Swim for Life charity.
Enjoys interior design and regularly contributes articles to magazines on the subject
Author
Autobiography
Fitness and pregnancy
Learn to Swim
Back Care
Fit for Life CD-Rom
Fitness Video
Press Contact:
Mrs Jane Taylor, The Queen’s School, City Walls Road, Chester, CH1 2NN
Tel: 01244 312078 Fax: 01244 321507
Email: jtaylor@queens.cheshire.sch.uk
The Queen’s School, Chester, Cheshire is one of the country’s leading independent schools offering the highest standard of education for girls from ages 4 – 18.
It’s conclusive. Research by the Good Schools Guide has proved what many parents have long recognised – that girls do better when they are educated in all girls’ schools.
Girls learn differently from boys. At The Queen’s School we recognise this and provide an education which is geared specifically to the needs of girls. We create a learning environment where girls are happy to take intellectual risks and where they have the space and security to develop their self-esteem and confidence. The academic benefits are underlined every year by the outstanding results achieved in SATs, GCSE, A level and Oxbridge entrance. The school provides the best possible environment for girls to fulfil their academic potential.
But academic success is only one aspect of life at Queen’s. We offer a huge range of extra-curricular activities so that each individual can explore her abilities and interests, develop leadership skills and experience new challenges. Sport, drama, music, outward-bound activities and oversees adventures all contribute to educating the whole person.
Strong pastoral care combined with a national reputation for excellence means that a Queen’s School education is arguably the best investment you can make in your daughter’s future.
We provide financial help up to full fees, depending on parental income.
More information available from www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk
Return to The Queen's School, Chester, Cheshire listings
> Return to Client Press Office
