A Clydebank man in his 90s has been praised in the House of Commons for his ‘remarkable contribution’ to swimming in Scotland.
Veteran swim coach Peter Dempster, who has been involved in Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club since 1938, was described by West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes as an inspiration to Bankies of all ages.
An Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled in parliament by local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes commends Peter for his many years of voluntary work in West Dunbartonshire helping to coach budding swimmers.
Peter has been awarded with life memberships of Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club and Scottish Swimming in recognition of a lifetime of dedication to the sport.
Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes presented Mr Dempster with a framed copy of the parliamentary motion during a visit to his constituency office in Clydebank.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“It was inspiring to meet with Peter who has made a remarkable contribution to swimming in Scotland over the past 80 years.
“Peter has helped countless Bankies over the years to gain confidence in the pool as a coach and volunteer.
“He’s a real credit to Clydebank and even in his 90s now he’s still going strong with Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club – showing that age is no barrier to being involved in sport.
“I was delighted to present Peter with a copy of my Early Day Motion tabled in the House of Commons in recognition of his lifetime of dedication to Scottish swimming.”
Text of Martin’s Early Day Motion
Peter Dempster and Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club – That this House notes the remarkable contribution that Peter Dempster of Clydebank has made to Scottish Swimming; understands that Peter joined the Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club at the age of 10 and has now been an active member for nearly 80 years during which time he has held all the posts on the Committee including general committee member and President and is presently Club Handicapper, a role in which he organises all internal races and coaches on Poolside every Thursday; acknowledges that for his valuable contribution to swimming in Scotland, all made on a voluntary basis, he was awarded with life memberships of both the Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club and Scottish Swimming; and believes that Peter is an inspiration to all people, young and old, and shows that age is no barrier to being involved in sport.
