As the school holidays approach, two of Tenby's most talented young swimmers are getting behind this summer's Welsh Assembly Government's Free Swimming Initiative in a bid to inspire more young people to get active. Andrew James, 15, and Lewys Canton, 14, both from Tenby and members of West Wales' Regional Development Squad, are encouraging all young people 16 and under in their area to take advantage of what's on offer for free at their local pool. The pair, who are extremely committed to swimming, will rarely be seen far from the water this holiday, as they prepare for success representing West Wales in the British Summer Nationals in Sheffield later in July. Another Welsh swimmer who is no stranger to success, David Davies, has also spoken out in support of the initiative. Olympic and Commonwealth Games medal winning swimmer, David said: "Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise as it provides all-round fitness because it tones your entire body and gets the heart rate pumping. "Learning to swim not only gives you a life skill, but also the opportunity to experience other aquatic sports. If you can't swim, then it means you can't sail, row or just play in the sea with your friends. Swimming gives youngsters the chance to catch up with their friends and most importantly have fun." But it's not just serious swimmers that can enjoy the water, leisure centres have a range of other activities on offer, including water polo, canoeing and life saving. The Welsh Assembly Government's Free Swimming Initiative, which was first introduced in 2003, has proved incredibly popular in recent years and record numbers of young people are expected to participate this summer. The health of children and young people in Wales is a key priority for the Sports Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government as part of the Climbing Higher strategy. The overriding challenge is to see all primary school children and 90 per cent of secondary school children participating in at least 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week - a target to be achieved over the next 20 years. Minister for Education, Culture and the Welsh Language, Carwyn Jones, said: "Swimming is a great way to have fun, socialise and be active. And because it's free it's good for parents, and means that children and young people can swim regularly throughout the summer. Since its inception, the Welsh Assembly Government's Free Swimming scheme has been extremely popular and I look forward in the future to removing more barriers to creating a fitter and healthier Wales." For more information about the Free Swimming Initiative, please visit http://www.free-swimming">www.free-swimming- wales.org.uk or call your local leisure centre.
