the asa has welcomed the government's announcement today of a massive cash injection into swimming.

The new £140 million fund to boost sport and fitness through free swimming for over 60s was announced as the centrepiece of the Government’s plan to ensure a lasting sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Specifically it will encourage local authorities to open up nearly 1,600 publicly owned swimming pools free to over 60s in England; provide a “challenge fund” to encourage local authorities to offer free swimming to under-16s and to rejuvenate and maintain pools

David Sparkes, the asa's chief executive officer, said: 'We welcome this excellent investment in swimming which will allow local authorities to provide free participation for the over 60s and under 16s if appropriate. Swimming is an excellent activity because it is so benefical to health, as well as an enjoyable skill that requires no special equipment but can save lives.

'We will be working closely with the government to ensure this investment has maximum impact and drives a culture change that will bring more people to the pool and keep them coming back to public pools. The £50m earmarked for capital improvement can only help with this culture change.'

Sport minister Andy Burnham has also indicated future funding could allow free entry to everyone by 2012.

Sparkes added: “We understand this is Andy Burnham’s aspiration for the future and if so we will work with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to see where we go after this first phase.”