Firefighters swap pumps for the pool and win Thame Swimathon
A TEAM from the Thame Fire Station are celebrating after winning the second Thame Swimathon, which took place at the Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 13, part of the lasting legacy of the London Olympics and Paralympics.
Image Courtesy of Nick White Photography
Over 70 people of various ages swam in teams of six for one hour. Groups from Thame SAFARI (Self Advocacy for Adults who Require Independence), Racquets, Thame Swimming Club, Thame Town Council, Thame Fire Brigade, Chinnor Kettlebells, Haddenham Super-ducks and others were represented by enthusiastic swimmers. The swimmers were honoured by Peter Lambert, Mayor of Thame who, together with Jeannette Matelot, President of the Thame Rotary Club, awarded the teams with their medals.
Jeannette Matelot Green, President of the Rotary Club of Thame, said: “This year’s Thame Rotary Swimathon was an exciting event from start to finish – although I never tipped a toe into the pool! From our young swimmers through to our Thame Firefighters, not forgetting the Thame Town Council team, it was a fun-filled day which also raised a lot of money for our local Thame charities.”
Marius Ciortan, who chairs the Thame Rotary Swimathon steering group added: “Our Swimathon this year went from strength to strengt. We had 45% more teams than last year and we raised at least 30% more funds than in 2012. All teams had a fabulous time and helped raise, so far, over £2,000 for charities for which the Rotary Club of Thame is very grateful. However, the moneys continue to come in as the on-line fundraising did not stop and some teams are still busy fundraising.”
The team from the Thame Fire Station swam the highest number of lengths – 174, being followed by the two teams from the Thame Swimming Club.
Marious added: “The Thame Rotary Swimathon has now become a traditional community event in Thame, so look out for details next year. Our thanks go to our sponsors, club members, friends and relatives, but especially to the teams of swimmers from Thame and neighbouring villages without whom this event could not have happened. “
For more information about Rotary Club of Thame and to get in touch, visit www.thame.rotaryweb.org or ring on 07764 85 49 49.
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