OLYMPIC swimming gold medallist Duncan Goodhew delighted Kirklees children.
He was in Dewsbury to encourage more Kirklees people to swim.
And for one group of children from Ravens Hall School in Ravensthorpe the visit was extra-special. They got to take part in swim training sessions with the former Olympics star.
Duncan launched the project at Dewsbury Pool a bid to get people to use their local pools as places to exercise and socialise.
The Everyday Swim project will give swimmers the chance to take part in a one-off programme of water-based activities, including diving courses for children and adult Aquafit classes.
Duncan, a gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, said: “Why is swimming so popular? As well as being great exercise if you put a child in the water they think it's incredible and they have so much fun.
“Water is the most foreign environment we have on this planet; astronauts train in it because it mimics zero gravity. It’s an extraordinary feeling and the closest we get to being in space. It stimulates all the senses.
“The Everyday Swim project is the first of its kind. We are looking in a systematic and methodical way at how to get more people involved in swimming and other pool activities.
“As we learn these lessons we can share it throughout the whole country. I am really honoured to be part of it.”
Kirklees Active Leisure is planning a Big Swim Week during half term next week. Taster sessions cost just £1 and will be in every pool in Kirklees.
