A St. Helens youngster who made a splash in the swimming world has earned a sports ‘ambassador’ award in recognition of his many achievements.

St. Helens Council’s Go Active inclusive Leisure Membership scheme awarded James Pout, aged 11, with the Go B&G (Boys and Girls membership) Ambassador award for 2007.

James, who lives in Windle and is a pupil of St. Julie’s Primary School in Eccleston, has permanent nerve damage in his left arm and shoulder caused by a birth injury and is a disability swimmer who swims with the use of only one arm.  He has been swimming competitively and notching up many successes for almost two years.

He was originally taught to swim by Graeme Ashe, a swimming teacher at Sutton Leisure Centre, who was instrumental in helping him to swim with one arm. James then joined Newton-le-Willows Swimming Club and is also a member of Liverpool Penguins Swimming Club.  James trains four times a week and swims competitively for Liverpool Penguins and Newton-le-Willows swimming clubs and the North West Disability Squad.

His achievements include being awarded Disability Swimmer of the Year by the ASA National Swimtastic Awards for which he and his family will attend a Swimming with the Olympic Stars event in Stratford-upon-Avon in October. Here, James will receive his award from Olympic Medalist Steven Parry.  

 

Despite being just 11, James has competed against older pupils in the Under 14 level and has faced competitors from overseas.

He became Disability Sports England (DES) National Under 14 Champion at 50m Fly in March and also won four bronze medals and he also swam four qualifying times for the DSE Adult Championships.  James also swims faster than many able bodied swimmers as in the 100m Fly at City of Liverpool Summer Sprints Gala where he gained a bronze medal.

Council Leader Cllr Brian Spencer said:  "Well done to James who receives a 12 month Go B&G membership from the Council in recognition of his remarkable achievements in overcoming a disability."

James' father, John Pout, added:  “We are incredibly proud of James.  In the coming 12 months he will, through the Ambassador role, share his love of sport throughout local primary schools and sports organisations and will hopefully encourage other youngsters to take up sport."

James is a big fan of St. Helens RLFC and plays football for Bleak Hill Rovers.

 

He received his Ambassador award at Saints’ Knowsley Road ground from Daniel Anderson, Jon Wilkin and Keiron Cunningham after watching the players train.