A talented young swimmer from Gedling has been chosen to be one of the new faces of a major water safety campaign.
Laila Dore has been selected to become a young water safety ambassador for the STA – a national charity dedicated to the teaching of swimming and water safety.
After a nationwide search and hundreds of applicants, Laila saw of the competition to make it into the final five, who will be part of their new 2019 Water Safety Squad.
The charity say each ambassador has their own unique story to share and will represent STA during International Learn to Swim Week, which takes place in May this year.
Laila has been swimming since she was four years of age, and is a very confident swimmer. She brings her own unique stance to the ambassadorship role by being a shining example of how swimming can bring so many fitness and health benefits to young people, as well as being lots of fun.
Her mum, Laura said: “Laila adores swimming and is so excited about being an STA Water Safety Ambassador. Her other passion is dancing, and swimming really helps to keep her healthy and fit. Laila also loves nothing more than splashing around with her friends and family in the pool and while on holiday. For us as a family, learning to swim is so important for all these reasons, in addition to safety and we know she will be a great young advocate for STA’s charitable aims. We are very proud of her.”
The campaign is also being supported by Alton Towers Resort and Speedo.
Zoe Cooper, Sales and Marketing Director at STA, said: “We are very excited to launch the Water Safety Squad this year; each one is passionate about swimming and they each have their own unique story to share. We chose Laila because we wanted a representative in the Squad that encapsulated why it is so important to learn how to swim and who could show all the fun, fitness and health benefits – Laila is an excellent role model for young people.”
“Over the next 12 months we are really looking forward to working with Laila and all the squad members, and sharing their stories to not only inspire others but to raise global awareness about the importance of learning to swim and water safety – and all the benefits and opportunities it can give young people,” added Zoe.
STA will also be organising special water safety assemblies at each of the ambassador’s schools over the coming months and inviting them to be involved in special events.
At the end of the ambassadorship STA will donate £500 of charity funds to each of the squad members’ chosen swimming / water related causes, so they too can create a legacy in their local community.
STA’s International Learn to Swim Week takes place between May 13-19 and it’s expected that more than 22 countries will be taking part.
For further information, please visit https://www.sta.co.uk/events/international-learn-to-swim-week/
