A WOKINGHAM Swimathon was held on Saturday evening at Wokingham Leisure Centre’s Carnival Pool.
Organised by The Wokingam Lions Club, the event saw 25 teams swimming as many laps (two lengths of the pool) as they could, to raise money for good causes.
Wokingham Lions Club member and event organiser John Cleary, said: “This was a first for us – a bit of an experiment – but we had advice from The Maidenhead Lions who’ve done swimathons before, so it went very smoothly, and swimmers have told us they really enjoyed it.”
Unlike other Lions events, this wasn’t a fundraiser for them.
“Normally we raise money through our activities which we then distribute to borough charities at the end of each year,” explained John.
“This time, the swimming teams chose their own good causes, and got to keep all that they raised.”
Each team had 50 minutes in the water to swim their laps.
“It wasn’t about a challenge, and people weren’t competing against each other,” continued John.
“It was simply a low cost and low risk opportunity for charities, groups, colleagues, and families, to team up, set their own goals, and have fun in the water while raising money for their chosen group.”
Feedback from participants has already been very positive, with people impressed by the organisation, and pleased with their fundraising.
Under 16s Backnell Girls Rugby Club, for example, raised £820 towards a tour of Holland, while Wokingham District Scouts (who sent 12 swimming teams) achieved £700.
Other group were from Share Wokingham, The Cowshed, who raised more than £2,000, and Holme Grange School whose swimmers raised over £1,500.
The Link Visiting Scheme has so far totalled £800, and said how impressed they were with one of their senior swimmers, Lynn.
“On the group page, where we can see the combined total raised so far, the teams have so far jointly raised £10,000, which is outstanding,” said John, “And this figure is likely to go up as more people share their results.
“But most importantly, it has also been great fun, not only for the swimming teams, but for their supporters in the viewing gallery too, who cheered them on so enthusiastically.”
The Lions would like to thank all the swimming teams, their supporters, and Places Leisure staff.
“The team at Wokingham Leisure were so helpful,” he said.
“They kindly gave us use of their pool and provided lifeguards free of charge.”
For more information, visit: www.placesleisure.org and www.wokinghamlions.org.uk
