 Stephen Parry won a bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics |
Olympic medallist Stephen Parry is to help teach 2,000 children to swim as part of Liverpool council's drive to improve children's health in the city. The 29-year-old, from Allerton, is launching the project, which takes place at five pools across the city.
About 60% of 11-year-olds in Liverpool cannot swim, a rate more than three times higher than the national average.
Children taking part in the scheme will receive a 30-minute lesson every day for the next two weeks.
2004 bronze
Council leader Warren Bradley said: "This is a central part of the city council's campaign to try to improve children's health.
"Swimming is an essential life skill and we are determined to ensure all young people in Liverpool can maximise their swimming potential and enjoy the sport for life as a result of this programme.
"The youngsters are also able to get access to all Lifestyles centres thanks to our free leisure passes scheme, and will be able to make full use of the pools when they learn how to swim."
Stephen Parry won a bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics butterfly and a silver and bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.
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