04/09/12…..REMINDER to all swimmers! Thame Rotary Swimathon

THE preparations for the first edition of the Rotary Thame Swimathon are under way. Inspired by the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event will take place at Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 7, 2012, between 10am and 3pm.

This is a fun and fundraising event on behalf of local charities: Mayor of Thame?s Charity Appeal (2012-2013), Sharing Life Trust and SERV, and also Thame & District Day Centre, Chiltern and Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Sponsors

The event is possible due to the generosity of several local businesses. ALR Services, ASM Auto Recycling, Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic and Racquets Fitness Centre. Vale Life Magazine will cover the cost of hiring the pool, whilst PSG Trophies will cover the cost of producing the medals. Abbotts Office Solutions and Silent View Windows sponsored the blue Rotary T-shirts which will be worn by the volunteers organising the event.

Rotarian, Marius Ciortan, who Chairs the Rotary Swimathon Steering Group, said: ?We have received a great response and support from the local businesses and groups. Brothers of Thame, Lightfoots and Chinnor Cubs will participate whilst Lord Williams? School, Thame Swimming Club and other groups are also likely to send swimmers.”

Who can take part?

?Everyone over the age of eight can take part,” explained Marius. “More local groups and businesses have been contacted and are expected to participate. We hope the Rotary Swimathon will be repeated year-on-year and be part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

?We are looking for another 15 teams of up to six swimmers. Each team is given a lane of the pool and will swim for 55 minutes ? with only one team member swimming at a time. To avoid disappointment we advise the teams to complete their entry forms as soon as possible.

?On average this means that each swimmer does about 10-20 lengths during the 55 minutes, but there is no need for each team member to swim the same number of lengths.

“Teams seek sponsorship for taking part in the Rotary Swimathon by raising a lump sum or based on the team?s total number of lengths swum – which can be up to 100 lengths or more.

?The benefits are for everyone, as local charities get money to help with their important work and the swimmers have lots of fun trying to swim as many lengths as they can. At the end all participants will get a Rotary Swimathon medal.?

Prospective teams should apply now as the slots are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Team entry and sponsorship forms can be downloaded from www.thame.rotaryweb.org/ or by ringing Rotarian Peter Hook on 07836 651174 or e-mail: peterghook@hotmail.com

SOURCE: Contributed

Notes:
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, part of Rotary International has 1,845 clubs and more than 55,000 members.

Rotary International was funded in 1905 in Chicago and is now the largest international service organisation with 1.2 million professional men and women as members.

There are 33,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary Clubs are open to men and women who are business, professional and community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Rotary initiates local and global projects to promote world understanding and peace and improve conditions for people of all ages and cultures.