New Accessible Boat Honors Deceased Olympic Swimmer

A newly launched wheelchair-accessible vessel, dedicated to the memory of a former Olympic swimmer, is set to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in activities within the Lake District. The adapted powerboat, “Wheely Smart,” has recently arrived at the Coniston activity centre, Low Bank Ground. This vessel bears the name of Helen Smart, an Olympic swimmer and headteacher at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, who passed away last year. During its official launch, her family and friends, alongside former school colleagues, experienced the vessel’s inaugural journey on Coniston Water. Councillor Chris Ready, who serves as Wigan council’s portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, commented that the boat is “absolutely fantastic and will open up a world of adventure for people with disabilities and mobility issues”. He further stated that it would serve as an enduring legacy for Helen Smart, “who was such a big part of our community and is so sorely missed by all those who knew her”. He continued, “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, a competitor for Team GB at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, passed away suddenly in August 2023 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband Craig and their two children, aged six and four. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the proposal to name the Wheelyboat in her honour originated from Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School, submitted as part of a competition for schools throughout the borough. The ultimate decision for the name was made by Smart’s family and the personnel at Low Bank Ground who had a close relationship with her. Her husband commented: “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.” This craft represents the inaugural wheelchair-accessible powerboat to be launched on Coniston Water.