alt BRITAIN'S national performance director for disability swimming Tim Reddish (pictured) has been named chairman for IPC Swimming, it was announced today.

 

A three-time Paralympian, Reddish has been involved in disability sport for more than 20 years and following medal-winning performances in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney, he was appointed British performance director in April 2003.

 

In 2004 Reddish led his swimmers to Paralympic success in Athens, claiming 52 medals in the pool, more any other nation, and in December 2006 he led the team to world honours, winning the World Championships with a total of 24 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals.

 

In his role as IPC Swimming chairman, Reddish will head up the IPC Swimming committee through to at least 2010.

 

IPC Swimming currently sits under the International Paralympic Committee umbrella but Reddish has been tasked with establishing the body as independent from the world federation for disability sport.

 

"It's interesting times for IPC and I'm looking forward to working with them on changes within the sport," said Reddish.

 

"My first challenge is to establish a swimming technical committee and appoint key people to help take the sport forwards.

 

"It's a privilege to be appointed as IPC Swimming Chairman and I'm honoured.

 

"I hope I can use my knowledge, skills and expertise gained over years of being involved with swimming to benefit the sport internationally.

 

"I'd like to thank British Swimming and UK Sport for their continued support and encouragement for this role."

 

British Paralympic Association (BPA) chief executive Phil Lane is delighted with Reddish's appointment, which follows the appointment last month of Paralympic champion Lee Pearson as the first chairman of the FEI’s newly formed Athletes’ Committee.

 

"It's great news that Tim has been selected for this role, which is fantastic for Paralympic sport in the UK," he said.

 

"It's fantastic to have a former British Paralympic athlete selected to chair the IPC Swimming Committee.

 

"Tim has had tremendous success with the British Disability Swimming team and taken their performance to another level. We're sure his expertise will also be valuable on a world stage."