Ambassador’s reception for champion James

Apr 25 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

HONOURS don’t come much bigger than being named sporting ‘ambassador’ for your hometown.

But that’s exactly what an 11-year-old from St Helens has been awarded after a tremendous year in the swimming pool.

Youngster James Pout, who lives in Windle, has earned a sports ambassador award thanks to St Helens Council’s Go Active scheme in recognition of his many achievements.

James, who is a pupil at St Julie’s Primary School, has permanent nerve damage in his left arm and shoulder caused by a birth injury and swims with the use of only one arm.

He has been swimming competitively and notching up numerous successes for almost two years.

Speaking after James received his ambassador award from St Helens Rugby League Club skipper Keiron Cunningham, 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.”

The ambassador award rounds off an incredible 12 months for James, who was also named Disability Swimmer of the Year at the annual Swimtastic Awards in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Nominated for the award by Louise Stephenson, Aquatic Coordinator for St Helen’s, James was recognised by the awards scheme run by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and backed by cereal manufacturer Kellogg’s.

James’ other successes in 2007 include a gold and four bronze medals at the Disability National Swimming Championships, and another bronze at City of Liverpool Sprint Finals (able-bodied).

Proud dad John said: “The occasion was well supported by the Great Britain able-bodied squad and at least one Paralympics gold medallist.

“It was rather daunting for him when, after receiving the award, he joined them all in the pool for a post meal impromptu gala!

“James’ disability does not seem to be a disadvantage to him in the least and he is as capable in the pool, if not more so, than many able bodied swimmers.

“He has achieved so much, including a bronze medal this year at the City of Liverpool Summer Sprints in which he beat many able bodied children and achieved four qualifying times for this year’s Disability Sport England Adult National Championships. He’s a real inspiration and I’m so proud of him for winning gold.”

Despite his disability, James has still managed to become a national swimming champion aged 10 and he also enjoys other sports such as playing for Bleak Hill Rovers football team alongside other able-bodied children.

Former Olympic silver medalist Guin Batten, who is Head of Performance at the Youth Sport Trust, and one of the Swimtastic Awards judges, said: “James is an inspirational young man who has overcome great odds to be able to swim.”

John added: “James trains three times a week with Liverpool Penguins and once at Newton-le-Willows swimming club.

“Nobody else in the family swims anywhere nearly as well as James, we don’t know where he gets it from. He only got into swimming after I heard Paralympian Sarah Bailey MBE speak and thought he might enjoy it.

“He also plays football, with able-bodied, youngsters, in defence for Bleak Hill Rovers. Next year he plans to return to the North West Championships and go to the Junior National Finals.”