Olympic swimming star Daniel Sliwinski is looking for sponsors – so he can drive his new car to training.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, 20 – whose grandparents live in Accrington – was donated a brand new Peugot 207 worth over £8,000, by Manchester-based company EasyCar.
Penwortham-based Daniel desperately needs the car to drive to the National Aquatic Centre in Manchester, where he trains 10 times per week with the UK Swimming Team.
"I have to travel 800 miles per week but I can’t always borrow my mum’s car," said the swimmer, whose grandparents Laurie and majorie Denton live in Clayton-le-Moors.
"I was offered this car by EasyCar, but as a 20-year-old lad, it was complete murder to insure it – in the region of £5,000, which I don’t have!
"So I had to turn the car down. There was no point in having it if it was just sitting on my drive," he added.
Daniel is one of the UK’s most promising young swimmers, having taken Bronze in the men’s 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October. He is also a double national champion and holds three youth world records.
But now Daniel, who is expecting to compete in the World Championships in Shanghai in July, and the London 2012 Olympics, needs the backing of sponsors to help pay for training, transport and equipment.
"I’m looking for anyone who is passionate about sport who wants to invest in an exciting young athlete," said Daniel.
Daniel spends a lot of time in Hyndburn with his grandparents.
He said: "I spent most of my summer holidays near there and I like the place."
He was recently guest of honour at the centenary celerations of All Saints Grange Bowling Club, where Laurie and Marjorie are members and a regular haunt of Daniel's when he was growing up.
He presented an award the club's Champion of Champions, Peter Wilkinson.
