Swimmer Adam receives prestigious scholarship

Swimmer Adam receives prestigious scholarship

28 June 2023

A LOUGHINISLAND teenager has won a prestigious swimming scholarship.

Adam Colgan (18) will become the first recipient of a new National Centre (Ulster) Performance Scholarship, a new partnership scheme between Ulster University Sport, Swim Ireland, and Swim Ulster. 

The scholarship provides a specific route to full-time training membership with the national centre, and provides support towards academic fees, flexible study options, academic mentoring, and wrap around support services.

With A-level exams just finished at Down High School, alongside his scholarship, the Year 14 student will be attending Ulster University, Belfast, to study Sports and Exercise Science in September. 

Swimming from the age of six, Adam started out in Lecale Amateur Swimming Club in Downpatrick, and then moved to Lisburn City Swimming Club under head coach Stan Sheppard to progress his career.

Adam said: “It’s very exciting knowing that I have the freedom to do part time of my course, and to be able to train and get ready for competition is always a nice thing to have.”

He added: “It’s a big honour, I’ve been swimming most of my life, and for me to be the first, especially in my local centre, it’s a proud moment for me. 

“Hopefully when I go to the national centre it can progress me more and hopefully allow me to compete in the international stage for Ireland at senior level.”

Ranking in the top three Irish swimmers in his age group, Adam has had many successes throughout the years, and has qualified for the Junior European Championships in Serbia this August.

“Being the first to receive a scholarship is right up there, a great achievement and i’m very happy,” he said.

“Hopefully, if it all goes to plan, I’ll be able to qualify for senior competition and then the Olympic Games, it’s all exciting.”

Adam initially developed his ability with swimming lessons from Gary Cull, who was the person who encouraged him to get into swimming. 

Advising others who hope to develop their swimming talent, Adam said: “Make sure to work hard because i’ve always been a person that trains hard and it always pays off. If it doesn’t work, don’t stress, it always comes around; even if you don’t get it short-term, you’ll get it long-term.”

The performance centre will be doing several trips away and there is a chance Adam will be looking for sponsorships.

If anyone would like to sponsor Adam Colgan, please contact: gerard.colgan@gmail.com.