Swim4Life: Vote for your favourite all-new swimming stroke
Aug 27 2009
Vote for your favourite all-new swimming stroke!
In July, Change4Life challenged kids to get creative and invent a new swimming stroke.
Secretary of State Andy Burnham called on families to get down to their local pools to try out new strokes and the results were fantastic! Dolphins, otters, sea snakes and even the Loch Ness Monster all provided inspiration to the nation’s budding swimmers! Inventive ideas from all over the country poured in, all with strokes that are loads of fun to do and a great way to get active.
After much deliberation our expert panel selected five finalists, and an additional five highly recommended strokes for you and your family to try.
Now it’s time for you to choose the winner. Vote for your favourite stroke from the five finalists below to help us find our stroke of genius. The winner will receive a family day out to Alton Towers Water Park with spending money, car hire and overnight accommodation all included.
You have until 4 September to make your decision and cast your vote. The winner will be announced in September 2009.
The Dolphinella – Ella, aged 11
The Dolphinella was inspired by Ella’s love for dolphins. To swim the Dolphinella clasp your hands together and put your arms out in front of you and kick your legs together like a fin. Wiggle your bottom up and down with your legs moving too so that you stay afloat and move forward. Move in bursts of 4 wiggles then pause to breathe and you’ll be swimming around the pool just like a dolphin!
The Torno-Twister – Gabe, aged 8
Gabe got the idea for the Torno Twister when he saw the water spin in the bath. The Torno-Twister, uses up lots of energy by twisting your body through the water. To master the Torno-Twister, glide away from the wall and start doing back stroke with your right arm. Quickly twist your body round onto your front and alternate with front crawl. Continue twisting like a tornado - a sure way for kids to enjoy their recommended 60 active minutes per day!
Hippo-Operous – Isobel, aged 11
Isobel watched a video of a hippo swimming, which gave her the idea for her stroke. Like a hippo, move your hands in the style of doggy paddle, then cycle your legs to move you through the water faster. Carry all of this out whilst underwater and then come up to breathe like a hippo. The Hippo-Operous is great for arm and leg exercises and keeps you up and about!
The Seahorse Stroke – April, aged 14
April’s Seahorse Stroke was inspired by how the seahorse swims with the use of its dorsal fin. The Seahorse Stroke is carried out by swimming in the upright position with your head above the water. Place your elbows on your hips with your arms out and propel forward with short, quick movements of your feet and hands. The quicker you flap your hands, the quicker you swim!
The Patrick Star – Billie, aged 11
Billie got the idea for the Patrick star from her favourite cartoon character. To do the Patrick Star stroke practice doing star jumps on dry land, then get in the water and do the same! Move your arms and legs up and down in the water and hold your breath when you can so you stay up above the water.
Want to see more of the fun entries? Here are five additional strokes that we highly recommend you try (PLEASE NOTE YOU ARE UNABLE TO VOTE FOR THESE) > > >
