Swimmers at the Andover Leisure Centre will be going to great lengths to be part of the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon this weekend.
On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March, local people will be joining swimmers from all around the country in the massive fundraising venture, the biggest of its kind.
Along with Andover, the Swimathon will take place in more than 600 pools across the UK including the Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the very first time.
People taking the plunge can choose from 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k individual distances or swim 1.5k or 5k as a team. Or they can do the SimplySwim, which lets people choose their own distance.
Everyone taking part will raise money through sponsorship for Sport Relief, which helps people in the UK and abroad.
The Andover challenges will take place from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday and 2pm to 6pm on Sunday.
Tammy Dewhurst from Andover Leisure Centre said: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon is a fantastic project because it helps so many people, in so many ways.”
“It brings the community together, helps people get fit and healthy and it raises money for people who need extra support. We’re delighted to be part of it.”
Many sports stars and celebrities, including Swimathon president and Olympic gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew and darling of the Paralympics pool and also gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds, also support the Swimathon.
Ellie Simmonds said: “I’m really keen on making swimming accessible for everyone and there is a challenge to suit all levels of expertise at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon. I’d encourage people to take the plunge and make every length count by being sponsored to take on a challenge and do their bit for Sport Relief!”
See www.swimathon.org to enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon challenge.
