TAVISTOCK resident and Plymouth Leander swimmer Mark Hennessey restarted his New Year's celebrations last week, having received notification that he will form part of the Kelloggs Frosties World Class Potential Programme this year.
World Class Potential is a Lottery-funded programme aiming to support elite junior swimmers who show the potential to medal or final at major events in the next eight years.
Hennessey, who is sponsored by Sports Aid South West, is a student at Tavistock College. He was a winner in the 13 years 100m breaststroke at the 2000 National Age Group Championships and this victory ensured his place on the prestigious new National Youth squad.
The scheme has been implemented by the new Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain (ASFGB) National Performance Director, Bill Sweetenham.
Squad members will receive the privilege of working under the new coaching director of youth swimming, John Atkinson and will be involved in regular training camps with other national champions. The first residential camp for the Leander star will be at the University of Bath from February 22 to 25. As part of the programme, a pre-determined financial award is also allocated to each swimmer involved.
Hennessey may also be required to attend International competitions during 2001 and in return will have to attend specified domestic competitions, comply with testing requirements and maintain a training log book, which can be called upon by the ASFGB at any time.
The Leander youngster will also have to support a swimmer evaluation system and undertake a training commitment with Plymouth Leander.
Hennessey will join the remainder of the Plymouth Leander squad at the first major domestic competition of the year, the Leeds Speedo British Grand Prix in February.