British Swimming / Amateur Swimming Association
Swimming
 Swimming
is arguably the only sport that provides opportunities for
people of all ages and abilities to participate, at all levels,
whether it be recreational, acquiring a life skill, swimming
regularly to maintain health and fitness, enjoying a variety
of water-based activities safely, achieving personal goals
or winning medals on the world stage.
Swimming is the nation’s most popular sporting activity
with 22% of adults and 50% of children swimming regularly.
A survey included in a 2002 Department of Culture, Media and
Sport report stated that over 12million people swim regularly
in this country.
 The
Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), the Scottish Amateur Swimming
Association (SASA) and the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association
(WASA) are the national governing bodies responsible for governing
swimming in England, Scotland and Wales respectively. These
three Associations are the constituent members of British
Swimming which is responsible for managing the elite aspects
of the sport within Great Britain. British Swimming also represents
Great Britain on the European and world governing bodies (LEN
and FINA) and as such deals with all international issues
and doping.
British Swimming focuses purely on the elite aspects of the
sport, events such as the Olympics and performance. The Home
Countries are involved in the promotion and development of
the sport at all levels from learning to swim to elite performance
including a clear focus on the Commonwealth Games.
There are approximately 200,000 members registered to the
ASA and approximately 1,500 swimming clubs are registered
to the governing body in England.
 Swimming
is all encompassing in the fact that it is a sport that can
be enjoyed by everybody. No one is exempt. Age is no barrier
and neither are disabilities.
There are many different levels of swimmer from the very
youngest to the oldest who simply swim for fun and a healthier
lifestyle. There are also those that compete whether on the
local circuit or at the next Olympic Games. There are competitions
for all ages for Masters swimmers, the current British Disability
squad is ranked number one in the world and the able-bodied
squad includes world record holders, commonwealth gold medallists
and world champions.
 For
further information contact the ASA on 01509 618700 or email
customerservices@swimming.org
Visit British
Swimming
Many thanks to 
for their quality photographs.
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