Over one hundred children from swimming clubs across Cardiff have spent the day learning how to excel in the pool from swim star David Davies.

The Olympic champion led a swim camp at Western Leisure Centre on Saturday where youngsters were taught about the importance of nutrition and exercises to avoid injury.

David’s audience also had the opportunity to hear about his medal winning triumphs and ask him questions before joining their idol in the swimming pool to see him in action.

The development day was held in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government’s Free Swimming Initiative and many of the children present learnt to swim through the scheme, which is managed by the Sports Council for Wales

As members of Cardiff Council Active Aquatics swimming clubs the children are encouraged to continue progressing with the ultimate aim of being selected for the City of Cardiff swimming club.

Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, added: "Swimming is a great way to have fun, socialise and be active. And because it’s free it’s good for parents, and that means that children and young people can swim regularly throughout the summer. Since its inception, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Free Swimming Initiative has been extremely popular and I look forward in the future to removing more barriers to creating a fitter and healthier Wales."

This is the sixth year that all 22 local authorities in Wales have operated the initiative and the figures show that each year more and more young people are going to their local leisure centre to enjoy a pastime which not only encourages them to be fit and healthy but is a potential life saver.

The Free Swimming Initiative is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative aimed at older people 60 years and over and children and young people 16 years and under.

For more information please visit www.free-swimming-wales.org.uk or contact your local leisure centre.