On Sunday 19th October Acresfield played host to Ken’s BIG Swim. This charity event was held in memory of Ken Weigh, one of Fylde Coast’s Swimming Legends. Ken was captain of the greatest ever Blackpool Water Polo team in 1953. He was Blackpool’s Ambassador to the 1952 Helsinki Games and amongst his many achievements he held European Masters Swimming Records.
Organising the event was Luke Helmn, a local swimming teacher, who brought some of his present children (including several SEN Children) to take part in two hour long swim relays and some of the children attained their 1500 metres swim award whilst at the same time raising almost £1300 for Fleetwood Town Community Trust, a local Charity supporting several Community Outreach Projects in the Wyre area from Sports, Cancer Rehabilitation, Disability sessions to name just a few.
After the swim the children were awarded both a certificate and a medal. The medals were actually those won by Ken in Blackpool Swimming Club’s Championships – a real piece of swimming history for the children to be inspired by. These were presented by various members of Ken’s Family who came along and enjoyed the day.
Luke has a strong connection with our Club as he taught Sophie Ward, one of the owners, in the early days of her swimming career and recognising her potential encouraged her to join Fleetwood Swimming Club. Sophie went on to compete for Great Britain in the European Youth Olympics in Serbia winning gold, silver and bronze medals and breaking a British record.
