Mansfield swimming pool to be named after three Paralympians

Councillors backed a motion to change the name of the competition pool at the Water Meadows to the Hynd’s and Henshaw Competition Pool, in recognition of the achievements of local Paralympian swimmers, Charlotte Henshaw, Ollie and Sam Hynd.

Coun John Smart Chairman of the Licensing Committee at Mansfield District Council, who proposed the motion, said: “This would show the country our support and the pride we have in, Ollie, Sam and Charlotte.

“The Council rightly recognised the achievements of Rebecca Adlington by changing the name of the Sherwood Street Baths to the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre.

“We should all be united in showing equal support to our Paralympian swimmers who represented this area; they have achieved so much and have inspired other young people with disabilities.”

The motion was passed at a full meeting of Mansfield District Council last night.

Coun Smart added: “As a society we have come a long way to seeing people with disabilities as equal and there’s still a lot to be done.

“I believe that attitudes changed dramatically with the introduction of sport for the disabled and especially the Paralympic Games, which showed the world that disabled athletes could hold their own and often do it better than able bodied people. The three athletes won world European and National medals and between them over a dozen of those were gold.

“We talk a lot about role models for our young people - well look no further.”