Anaconda Swimming Club’s Ray Haggan was ‘humbled’ by the decision to name a trophy after him for his 30 years of service to the sport in Islington.

Islington Gazette: Islington's Elena Dewhurst, Sadie Goldin and Tommy Donovan won swimming medals at the London Youth Games at Crystal PalaceIslington's Elena Dewhurst, Sadie Goldin and Tommy Donovan won swimming medals at the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace (Image: Archant)

Haggan started out in 1987 as a supportive parent to his daughter, who joined the club to learn to swim, and went on to become a voluntary helper ever since.

His various jobs have included him serving as a mini-bus driver to take swimmers to galas, competition secretary, team manager and club administrator, among others.

A winner of BT’s Everyday People on the Road to 2012, an award given to those who have contributed behind the scenes without wider recognition, Haggan had a portrait of himself hanging in the National Portrait Gallery as his prize.

And the Anaconda club asked Middlesex County ASA if they could name a trophy after him, with secretary Frances Prentice explaining: “I’m sure the whole county will be pleased Anaconda SC are choosing to honour Ray in such an appropriate way.”

From 2018 at the Middlesex Championships the fastest junior girl (16 & under) in the 50m breaststroke will receive The Ray Haggan Trophy, which the club unveiled at their championships.

It was fitting that Anaconda’s longest-serving coach, Michelle Davies, presented the trophy to Haggan and club chairman Steve Greer said: “I’ve known Ray for over 15 years. His dedication and commitment to Anaconda Swimming Club is second to none. It is an honour to keep his name and legacy going with this Middlesex County trophy.”

Haggan modestly added: “I’m very humbled by this but you really shouldn’t make a fuss.”

Anaconda SC youngsters made a splash at the London Youth Games swimming finals for Islington at Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Elena Dewhurst, 14, won gold in her 50 metres freestyle race in a time of 27.56 seconds, while Sadie Goldin, 14, took silver in the 50m backstroke in 32.50.

Their fellow club member, 16-year-old Tommy Donovan, also made it on to the podium for Islington as he won silver in the 50m breaststroke in 31.14.