Plaque unveiled at Green Bank Leisure Centre to celebrate Paralympian Megan

Swim star Megan Neave has been honoured at her local leisure centre for her achievements in para swimming.

The 21-year-old, from Newhall, has had a plaque unveiled at Swadlincote’s Green Bank Leisure Centre, which is run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council.

Megan competed in her maiden Paralympics in the summer, placing fourth in the women’s 100m backstroke S14 at Paris 2024.

Prior to the Paralympics, Megan had a European Championship silver to her name, as well as bronze and gold in the Para Swimming World Series.

She is an athlete on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, a sports talent development programme which supports 1,400 athletes.

Now in its eighth year, the initiative has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s leisure facilities nationwide, as well as mentoring from the likes of Colin Jackson, Richard Kilty and Lauren Steadman.

Sporting Champions athletes won an incredible 23 medals at Paris 2024 – nine gold, six silver and eight bronze – while 14 athletes competed at their first Olympics or Paralympics in the French capital.

Megan, who was guest of honour and switched the Christmas lights on in Swadlincote last week, spent most of her formative years training in the pool at Green Bank Leisure Centre.

Everyone Active’s area contract manager, Dan Mclean, said: “Megan is a huge inspiration to the local community and in particular to the young swimmers on our award-winning Learn to Swim scheme.

“We are hugely proud to have her as part of the Sporting Champions programme and it is fantastic that her amazing achievements on the international stage are celebrated in this way.”

Councillor Gordon Rhind, Chair of the Council's Housing and Community Services Committee, said: "Megan’s achievements are a shining example of the incredible talent we have here in South Derbyshire. She has shown remarkable dedication and determination and is an inspiration to our local community and the next generation of athletes.

“We are immensely proud of Megan and thrilled to see her journey continue to inspire others through Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme."

Green Bank Leisure Centre includes a 25m swimming pool, a gym featuring state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment, group fitness facilities, sports hall and a climbing wall.

ABOVE LEFT PCTURE. Megan pictured with the new plaque and Cllr Rhind, Lorraine Neave (Megan’s mum) plus staff from Everyone Active and the Council. 

ABOVE RIGHT. A family affair: Megan poolside with proud mum Lorraine, who works in Operational Services at South Derbyshire District Council.

11 December 2024