Jill Stidever

Jill is involved with disability swimming from grassroots right through to a national level for over fifty years. Jill has a real passion for developing the appropriate opportunities for young people. Through Jill, many young swimmers have developed their skills and competed up to Paralympic level. Jill coaches swimmers and also accompanies them to all levels of competitions.

Jill is extremely dedicated to supporting schools, both mainstream and special, gives her time to support their young swimmers. Jill can often be seen in a swimming pool with a child who, for them, even a few basic swimming skills is an enormous challenge.

Jill has worked with swimmers with cerebral palsy for many years and currently coaches people at all levels. Jill delivers development days aimed at parents, teachers, teaching assistants, swimming coaches, and volunteers.

The Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport (LRS) Parallel Youth Games programme has benefited from the influence of Jill who has been involved in the planning of the event and running it as Competition Manager. Jill has used her influence with schools and parents to ensure that young people have the opportunity to participate.

Over 50 years of passionate coaching, officiating and mentoring of young swimmers from Jill Stidever MBE, at a young 74 years of age makes her an outstanding candidate to be a Torchbearer in 2012.