Wrexham swimming teacher and Freedom Leisure celebrated at Swim Wales Awards

A Wrexham swimming teacher and Freedom Leisure have been celebrated at the Swim Wales Awards.

The winners of this year’s awards were unveiled at a virtual ceremony on Thursday 18th December.

The event, which is run by Swim Wales, recognises the inspiring work that individuals and organisations deliver across Wales to enable people of all ages and abilities to learn the skill that saves lives.

Following on from last year’s success Freedom Leisure, which operates several leisure facilities in partnership with Wrexham Council, won awards in two key categories.

Swimming Teacher of the Year was won by Vikki Courtman, a swimming teacher for Freedom Leisure in Wrexham.

The award recognises the outstanding contribution and commitment of a swimming teacher.

Partner of the Year voted for by Swim Wales celebrating the achievements of their partners was won by Freedom Leisure.

Freedom Leisure run Learn to Swim programmes in 19 pools right across Wales, to enable people to achieve this essential life skill in a safe, fun, supportive, and relaxing environment.

Hywel Evans Aquatic Development Manager for Freedom Leisure in Wales said: “This is a terrific achievement and I cannot speak highly enough of our teams across Wales who deliver our Learn to Swim programmes. We are delighted to have been recognised by Swim Wales as their Partner of the Year”.

“Councillor John Pritchard, Lead Member for People – Youth Services & Anti-Poverty at Wrexham County Borough Council said: “I am thrilled that a teacher from Wrexham has won this award and that her enthusiasm  and dedication has been recognised.

“I also pay tribute to all those swimming teachers that are delivering these essential skills. Freedom Leisure and their staff continue to prove a service which is first class. Well Done Vikki and Freedom.”

Ivan Horsfall Turner, managing director at Freedom Leisure added: “These awards are truly well deserved by our teams in Wales who are a great example of our organisational aim to inspire everyone to enjoy and participate in swimming starting with the crucial first part of that journey – learning”.

For more information about learning to swim with Freedom Leisure visit the website