Swimmer Ryan receives welcome cash boost

Teamipswich swimmer Ryan Crouch received a welcome boost this week when he received some much-needed sponsorship from retail outlet Wilkinson to the tune of £1,000.

Teamipswich swimmer Ryan Crouch received a welcome boost this week when he received some much-needed sponsorship from retail outlet Wilkinson to the tune of £1,000.

Ryan, who suffers from mild Cerebral Palsy, has had a very hectic but rewarding 2007 where he is cementing his reputation as an outstanding prospect for the 2012 Paralympics.

Ryan started swimming at the age of four as part of his physiotherapy to recover from surgery to his right leg, but it wasn't until he reached 11 and competed in both the Junior and Senior Nationals as one of the youngest swimmers on the disability circuit that things have really taken off.

Following this he was selected for the British swimming squad in March 2006. However, as the squad is based in the north of England it involves many trips to Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham in order to fulfil his commitments and it's here that generous donations from companies such as Wilkinsons can often help to lessen the financial impact this can have for swimmers and parents.

In May 2006, Ryan joined Teamipswich under the leadership of head coach Dave Champion. Ryan saw Teamipswich as the perfect team to help him achieve his goals in the future, and Teamipswich are proud to have him on their squad and it seems the switch and five training sessions a week is starting to pay off.

In March of this year, Ryan swam at the Junior Disability Nationals in Sheffield and must have felt like Michael Phelps as he came away with seven golds and one bronze. Following that, at Cerebral Palsy Sport, he had the perfect meet with five races, five golds and five records.

Dave Champion, Teamipswich head coach said: “Ryan works very hard in every session. He is a pleasure to have in the squad and it's a compliment to him that we do not have to tailor sessions to suit him or his disability.”