South West Region’s John Bird has been elected ASA President. He will hold the position for twelve months, and succeeds Raymond Hedger who was President during 2014-15.
Bird first became involved with swimming when his two young sons became members of Plymouth Leander Swimming Club. Greater involvement at Club and at City of Plymouth led Bird to become actively involved at District and County level, and in 1998 he became County President of Devon.
Following the re-designation of the Western Counties Executive Committee to the South West Region in 2005, Bird was elected and appointed as the Regions Administration Officer and Regional Management Board member, becoming South West Region President in 2009.
He has been integral to the development of the Swimming competition calendar, which he still continues to maintain along with Jane Davies, and he remains Chairman of the Kelly College Swimming Club.
Bird was nominated for President by David Flack, Chairman of the ASA South West Region, who said: “John Bird has clearly demonstrated over many years his commitment, professionalism and dedication to our sport at county, regional and national level. I therefore have no reservations in commending him to you as ASA President for 2015/16.”
In accepting the position, Bird said: “I would like to thank Ray and Janet for representing the Association so well over the past year, and I would also like to thank the South West Region for supporting my nomination.
“I see my role over the next year as being the face of the Association, representing you all at the many events that we hold and which are so important for the sport. I look forward to doing so and would like to thank Council for accepting me as President for 2015/16.”
Vice-President for the year will be Anne Reah from the North East Region.
The two positions were announced at the ASA Annual Council, held on 17 October in Leicester. During the traditional Annual Council Dinner, Dennis Yeoman was presented with The Harold Fern Award and Jane Davies received The Alfred H Turner Award.
Swimming news courtesy of the ASA.
