Zebras swim school, a partnership between Fusion Lifestyle and Zebra Children & Adult Charity at Southbury Leisure Centre providing local autistic children with swimming lessons, has been shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion award at this year's ukactive Awards.
The programme is in the running for one of the industry's biggest accolades, as trade body ukactive recognises the very best in the physical activity sector.
Held in partnership with Active IQ, the shortlist for the ukactive Awards 2022 includes fitness and leisure operators of all sizes; local councils; prominent suppliers; leading universities; sports bodies; and charities.
Zebra Swim School provides swimming lessons for autistic children aged 5upwards. As well as delivering vital water safety skills, water is a soothing environment for autistic people and can help improve coordination, reduce anxiety and even improve speech and cognative function. The lessons are designed to meet the needs of Autistic individuals and to encourage change amongst leisure providers.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday 30 June, with hundreds of leaders from the worlds of fitness, health, leisure and sport expected to attend.
Anthony Cawley, CEO of Fusion Lifestyle, commented: "We're really proud of this programme. It has been identified that people with a disability aren't hard to reach but the services designed to help them can be and really want to change this."
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: "We are delighted but not surprised by the number of incredible entries and stories we have received for this year's ukactive Awards, which is testament to the unquestionable resilience and innovation within our sector.
"We are extremely proud of all of our members, who have worked so hard in rebuilding the sector and our nation's health following the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Congratulations to all the finalists and we look forward to seeing celebrating our industry at the awards ceremony this summer."
Jenny Patrickson, Managing Director at Active IQ, said: "I'm delighted to see this year's awards attract such a strong field of entries and send my congratulations to all the finalists.
"The standard has been very high once again this year and I would like to thank everyone who took the time and effort to put forward their entry for consideration.
"Active IQ is proud to once again be the headline sponsor for the ukactive Awards and we're particularly looking forward to seeing everyone in person at this year's event. Ahead of that, I wish all the finalists the best of luck for the next stage of judging."