A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The stars were shining brightly in Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday 16th November.  I am not talking about celestial stars, but stars of the swimming world. 

As referred to in my last post Thankful Thursday Natalie had been shortlisted to receive an award at the Kellogg’s ASA Swimtastic Awards 2013.  This is an event held yearly to congratulate and recognise outstanding participants from the swimming world.

The day started early with Natalie and her Mummy Emma getting ready to travel to Birmingham and to check into their hotel.  A room had been provided for them so they could stay overnight.   Natalie as you can imagine was very excited.

Once they had checked into the hotel a coach was waiting to take those invited to take part in an exclusive ‘swim with the stars’ event at a nearby leisure centre. Here they had the opportunity to swim with some of the UK’s top swimming stars both Olympic and Paralympic.  There would also be photo opportunities and autograph sessions.  Natalie’s Daddy Ben went along to this with Jess as they wanted to see Natalie swimming and enjoying herself.  

Unfortunately, Jess was not altogether happy on the poolside.  As you can imagine it was very noisy with lots of clapping and cheering and air horns were being let off at times, which Jess found quite upsetting.  Children like Jess find it hard to cope with noisy environments as they cannot understand that it is nothing to be scared of.  You cannot explain to Jess what is going on.  Fortunately Ben did manage to see quite a bit of the activities before leaving to bring Jess home.  

It had been decided not to take Jess to the evening’s festivities.  For one thing she would probably have had issues with the noise again and also as she is fed through her gastrostomy button during the night whilst asleep, keeping her up late just means that she does not get all of the fortified milk feed which she needs.  The other thing was that to take Jess would have meant having to give Jess a lot of attention and this was Natalie’s night and she deserved it.
Nanny Joan and Granddad Noel had very kindly offered to look after Jess in the evening so that Ben, Emma’s Sister Sarah and her Husband and Hubby & I could go and watch Natalie receive her award.  

The Gala Dinner was held at Edgbaston Stadium.  Upon arrival we were greeted with champagne (always a good start to an evening) and then we were called into the main hall to be seated for dinner before the ceremony began.  Whilst sipping on my champagne I noticed Sharron Davies on one side of the room happily chatting with guests.  

The dining hall took your breath away.  The tables were decorated with stars and lights and the whole room was bathed in blue and purple light.  Our table was right at the front which was brilliant and each one of us had a place setting which included a programme and a very cute pink duck!  One of the lovely things about the evening too was that various Olympians were sitting amongst the guests at the tables.  We were joined at our table by Katie Clark and Vicki Lucass who were part of the GB Olympic Synchronised Swimming Team.  They were lovely girls and very good company.



We had a lovely three course meal.  For the past week one of Natalie’s front teeth had been wobbling precariously, during the soup course it decided to fall out!  Natalie was fine about it, but it meant that on all photos from now on she would have a lovely ‘gappy’ smile.

Once the meal had been concluded it was time for the award ceremony.  Our host for the evening was Steve Parry, Athens 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist.  He was a brilliant host and had everyone laughing.

There were three awards for each category, Bronze, Silver and Gold and there were 12 categories covering all aspects of swimming related activities. 
When the time came for the Fundraising Award we were on the edge of our seats, although Natalie had been shortlisted we did not know for definate that she would be getting an award.  I am both pleased and proud to say that she was awarded a Bronze and as you can see from the video below went up to collect her trophy like a true ‘pro'

The night went by all too quickly the awards being followed by a disco.  Emma & Natalie were staying overnight at the hotel courtesy of Swimtastic and there were coaches on hand to take them there.

Within the modern Olympic Charter I believe are these  words “The practice of sport is a human right. Everyone should be able to play sport without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.”  We should all do the very best we can in life and help others to do the same.  

During the award ceremony we heard of people from all walks of life and of all ages who had lived up to these words.  We heard of people who had overcome their own personal difficulties to achieve their goals and of those who had given up their time to help and encourage such people.  It was a truly humbling experience.

So a big THANK YOU to Kellogg’s, ASA and all those involved in putting together such a wonderful event.  To the athletes who gave up their time to swim with the nominees, sign autographs, have endless photos taken and took time to talk to people and answer their questions.  You are true Ambassadors for sport and the spirit of the Olympics. 

Last but by no means least, an even bigger THANK YOU to all the truly inspiring people who were nominated for these awards.  You were the stars that evening.


Oh yes, there was another magical thing that happened that evening.  The Tooth Fairy came to Natalie & Mummy's hotel room whilst they were both sound asleep!

Charity Award Winners

Proud Mummy & Daddy