A REDDITCH swimmer has been awarded the Worcester County Swimming Association Founder’s Prize for an amazing third time.
The Founder’s Prize was initiated in the Will of Edgar Henry Summers, the founder and president of the association in 1926/27.
It was stipulated in the will that the Founder’s Prize shall be awarded from the residuary estate for the period of the lifetime of Princess Anne and Prince Charles and for 21 years after the death of the survivor.
The prize is of small monetary value; its true value is in the recognition of the achievement of the winning swimmer.
Paul Wilkes, aged 38, has previously been awarded the prize in 2011 and 2017 and was awarded the prize this year as his commitment to swimming in general and Redditch Swimming Club in particular remains outstanding.
Redditch Swimming Club chairperson Malcolm Ross said: “Paul trains at almost every opportunity and is the perfect role model for all of our swimmers.
“He takes time to talk to the younger swimmers and his mere presence at the pool is enlightening and encouraging to swimmers and parents alike.”
In addition to him being the Redditch ‘boys’ captain he is also a member of City of Birmingham Masters.
Paul recently became the European Master Champion in his age group in the 200 metres butterfly event at the Stadio Olimpico del Nuoto in Rome. His time of 2mins 11.59secs was 3.5 seconds faster than his nearest rival.
Mr Ross added: “Redditch SC is extremely proud to have a European Champion as their club captain and consider that he is a worthy winner of the Founders Prize of 2022.”
