Disability boat tribute to late Olympic swimmer

Olympian and headteacher Helen Smart died last year

A new wheelchair-accessible boat named in tribute to a former Olympic swimmer will help people with disabilities enjoy activities in the Lake District.

Adapted powerboat "Wheely Smart" is the latest arrival at Coniston activity centre, Low Bank Ground.

It is named in honour of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School headteacher and Olympic swimmer Helen Smart, from Wigan, who died last year.

Her family and friends were joined at an official launch by former school colleagues, who were able to enjoy the vessel’s maiden voyage on Coniston Water.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan council’s portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said the boat was "absolutely fantastic and will open up a world of adventure for people with disabilities and mobility issues".

He added it would be a lasting legacy for Helen Smart "who was such a big part of our community and is so sorely missed by all those who knew her".

“Helen was a huge advocate for Low Bank Ground and was so passionate about providing opportunities and experiences for young people as part of their education and development, so this really is a fitting tribute.”

Smart, who competed for Team GB at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, was just 42 when she died suddenly in August 2023, leaving behind husband Craig and two children aged six and four.

The swimmer was a great supporter of the centre where the powerboat will be based

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that the suggestion to name the Wheelyboat in her memory was submitted by Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School as part of a competition open to schools across the borough.

The final name was decided by Smart’s family and the staff at Low Bank Ground who knew her well.

Her husband said: “I can’t tell you how special Low Bank Ground was to Helen. She loved coming here as a teacher, as a headteacher, and she loved coming with family – celebrating her 40th birthday here. It’s an amazing place."

The craft is the first ever wheelchair-accessible powerboat launched on Coniston Water.