Jazmine’s Summer Camp Success Marks a First for Cardiff Met Aquatics

Jazmine Airey, a swimmer within the Cardiff Met Aquatics Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Learn to Swim Programme, successfully attended the Summer Swimming Camp in a mainstream group setting. This was a significant achievement for both Jazmine and Cardiff Met Aquatics, as it marked the first time Cardiff Met Aquatics has been able to support a swimmer from the ALN programme to participate in this way.

With the dedication, planning and support of swimming teacher Jeremy King, Jazmine was able to integrate into the camp environment, build confidence and enjoy the same opportunities as her peers. This reflects Cardiff Met Aquatics' commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all young people can participate, develop and thrive regardless of their individual needs.

The positive impact of this opportunity was highlighted by a heartfelt email from Jazmine's mother, Claire, who expressed her gratitude for the support provided and the chance for Jazmine to take part. This success story demonstrates Cardiff Met Aquatics' commitment to inclusion, diversity and ensuring that opportunities within sport are accessible to everyone.

Claire Lewis, parent of Jazmine: 

" It was incredible to see Jazmine swimming all the way to the middle of the pool by herself and then back again on her front and to see her making progress towards this swimming on her back also. Jazmine’s Dad took her to the final session and couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Jazmine swimming properly by herself without any aids and for such a distance as he had not seen her swim for a little while. He’s still talking about it! 

It was great to see Jazmine joining in the games and understanding what she had to do. Jazmine really benefitted from having the daily swimming practice allowing for skills to be repeated and progressed, which the camp provided and the encouragement and occasional assistance from Jeremy being in the water. Jazmine is very competitive in the water with the others and really enjoys being part of a group session and benefits from having others in the class with her in many ways. 

Jeremy has been and continues to be a great teacher for Jazmine. He keeps her on track and encourages her with praise and ensures she always knows what she is meant to be doing. Jeremy has a great rapport with the children and with the parents and has provided me with good feedback and clearly plans and teaches his sessions very well, adapting things to progress each child with where they are at, including Jazmine. Jazmine particularly loves the jumping in at the end of the session and she waits patiently for her turn in line with the other children and follows his instructions.

Jazmine was only able to have the opportunity to participate in the summer camp because Jeremy kindly agreed to come in and be an assistant in the water for her class sessions. I am extremely grateful to Jeremy for doing this and the progress Jazmine made in this short time certainly speaks volumes. 

I also want to thank you Signe for your diligence and perseverance in always trying to make a way for Jazmine regarding her swimming sessions. Your communication and organisational skills are excellent and again I am immensely grateful for all you have done for Jazmine."