Pad Creative Innovative Scheme of the Year

Nominations

Colchester Phoenix ASC (Sports Science Programme) Swimming: With a large competitive and advanced squad, Colchester Phoenix ASC operates a sport science programme through the Human Performance Unit at the University of Essex. The aim of the programme is to provide swimmers with an 'athlete centred' approach, accommodating all aspects of their training and performance. The programme is as much about education as improving performance itself. Seminars take place on important topics to reinforce key concepts that swimmers need to adopt. New developments to the programme over the past year have included the introduction of video analysis sessions with feedback CDs allowing both swimmers and coaches to discuss techniques to improve performance. What Colchester Phoenix ASC have achieved is the innovative, practical fusion of sports science within disability swimming – a one of a kind achievement within the Eastern region.

Doug Haines Disability Water Skiing: People like Doug Haines do not 'grow on trees'. Organising events to allow disabled individuals to try out the sport of waterskiing, Doug works tirelessly to promote this inclusive activity, using both his extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. From adapting skiis to buying specially tailored wetsuits, Doug believes there is no disability too severe to water ski or have fun on the water. Not only does he pull all the necessary arrangements together such as finding venues, equipment, helpers, and refreshments, but he provides much needed encouragement in allowing individuals to have fun and build their self esteem. His presence at the Mersea Festival was an inspiration to many participants giving them the opportunity to try out water skiing in a safe and enabling environment.

Dusty Hare Basildon Rugby Club: Basildon RFC have taken a proactive line in promoting and sustaining rugby within the community. Throughout 2008-09, Basildon RFC have run 3 major projects, securing funding of more than £12,000 with fantastic results in the process. Their first project, 'Awards for All', introduced 'tag' rugby to year 3 and 4 students within 20 Basildon based primary schools. The project's success is evident with 400 participants and over 4000 attendances. The second project, an Active Sport programme, delivered tag rugby coaching to Year 7 to 9 students. The standard of rugby improved so much that one of the schools reached the county quarter final for the first time. The success of this project has led to it becoming a pilot scheme for what will be a district wide initiative due to be rolled out in 2009-2010. Their third project, a Sport Unlimited after school project, has allowed secondary school students to experience contact rugby, often for the first time. Basildon RFC's development of a lasting legacy within the community has generated 59 new club members this season.