ALEX NORRIS has been named Young Volunteer of the Year at the WAM Get Involved Volunteer Sector Awards for 2016.

Norris was recognised for the time and commitment that he has given to SportsAble as a volunteer during swimming sessions.

The 15-year-old was cited for his ability to support swimmers in the water; his ability to teach, and to communicate and motivate.

Norris gives up to fours hours a week to volunteer at disabled junior and adult swimming sessions at SportsAble, and his work means he has learnt to support a vast range of disabilities in the water.

He knows how to use the pool hoist and how to help with transferring people with spinal injuries. He has quickly taken on board how to support swimmers in the water whatever their disability.

As an ex-swimming club member, Norris also has knowledge of how to teach swimming.

A statement from SportsAble read: “The children and adults benefit from the one-to-one work that Alex does with them in the water. He has already helped some of our junior swimmers to progress on the Amateur Swimming Association pathway by gaining approved ASA awards.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Alex Norris, left, and Chris Humphries, right, the swimming coach at SportsAble.

“It’s especially important that these children, as well as adults, learn to swim and progress as we live on an island surrounded by water, and water skills are incredibly important. They could save one of these people’s lives as well as giving them incredible enjoyment in the sport.

“We’ve seen Alex gain teaching, motivational and people skills. He has learnt how to communicate with both visually impaired swimmers and deaf swimmers, as well as our disabled participants.

“Alex has learnt some of the swimming stages that teachers use in the water and helped to adapt them to each person’s disability.

“What’s so special about Alex is his ability to motivate our youngsters as well as our adults.

“We’ve watched him light up the faces of children with cerebral palsy where they have limited body movement, and he always believes that each child can do something.

“He encourages children in such a cheerful way that they always want to join in and have a go at whatever he is doing or showing them.

“Alex is an exceptional young man and SportsAble is grateful to have him as one of our volunteers.

“He has shown an amazing natural talent for teaching and motivating over the last year.”