Bluefins Volunteer Honoured with Mayor’s Award
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Long-serving Bluefins volunteer Tony Bamberger has been recognised for more than two decades of dedication to disability and inclusive swimming after receiving a Mayor’s Award from the outgoing Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.
The award was presented during the Mayor Making ceremony held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices on Thursday 14 May, where Councillor Jacky Tustain was formally installed as the new Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, succeeding Councillor Colin Phillimore.
As part of the evening, Councillor Phillimore presented a small number of special civic awards to local residents who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities. Tony was one of only five recipients recognised during the ceremony, receiving an award for his outstanding contribution to disability swimming.
For members of Basingstoke Bluefins, the recognition will come as no surprise.
Tony is one of the co-founders of the Bluefins Sharks disability and inclusive swimming programme and has devoted more than 20 years of voluntary service to helping swimmers of all abilities enjoy, develop and thrive within the sport.
Throughout that time, he has played a significant role in creating opportunities for swimmers who may otherwise have struggled to access club swimming, helping build an environment where participation, confidence, friendship and achievement are available to everyone.
The Sharks programme has become an important part of the Bluefins family, supporting swimmers with a wide range of needs and providing opportunities to develop skills, compete, socialise and enjoy being part of a welcoming club environment.
Tony’s contribution extends far beyond poolside coaching and support. His commitment, apatience and belief in inclusive sport have helped shape the experiences of countless swimmers and families over the years.
Bluefins Chair Fleur Turner said:
“Tony’s award is thoroughly deserved. For more than two decades he has given his time, energy and enthusiasm to helping others. The impact he has had on so many swimmers and families is impossible to measure fully, but it is felt every week within our club.”
“The Sharks programme is an incredibly important part of Bluefins and Tony has been at the heart of that journey from the very beginning. We are delighted to see his contribution recognised by the borough.”
Everyone at Basingstoke Bluefins would like to congratulate Tony on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for the remarkable contribution he continues to make to our swimmers, our families and our wider community.
