Tony's big splash

 

South Staffordshire Council’s Leisure Services Manager is celebrating after being selected to Referee the swimming events in the Paralympic Games in Beijing later this year.

Tony Ward started his own swimming career, specialising in the 100m freestyle, before later becoming a British and European record holder in Masters swimming events.

 

He started officiating at the age of 16, and has already refereed 3 World Cups and the 2006 Disability World Championships in South Africa - but now finds himself on his way to referee the most demanding aspect of swimming in the Olympic programme.

One of only 8 international referees worldwide for disability swimming, Tony sits on the National Masters Committee, West Midland Masters Committee and is the current President of Staffordshire Swimming Association.

 

Tony said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to Referee in Beijing by the International Paralympic Committee. I know it will be hard work and a lot of pressure during the two weeks of the games but hopefully I will bring back some happy memories.

 

I really hope that the Olympics and Paralympics will help highlight the excellent work volunteers do up and down the country."

Councillor Robert Marshall, Deputy Leader, Community Services at South Staffordshire Council added: "We are all delighted and very proud to hear that Tony will be going to the Paralympics. It is a wonderful opportunity for Tony, and I hope local young people will be inspired by what he’s doing and see that there should be no limits to what they can achieve."