Rotary Swimathon coming around again!

PREPARATIONS for the second edition of the Thame Rotary Swimathon are under way. Inspired by last year’s London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event will take place at the Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 13, between 10am and 2pm.

The Thame Swimathon is a fun, fundraising event on behalf of local charities, Sharing Life Trust, Thame & District Day Centre, SAFARI and Thame Players.

Marius Ciortan, who chairs the Rotary Swimathon Steering Group, told ThameNews.Net: “The event is possible due to the generosity of several local businesses. ALR Services, ASM Auto Recycling, Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic, Racquets Fitness Centre, Vale Life Magazine will cover the cost of hiring the pool, whilst Ignite Sports will cover the cost of producing the medals. Abbotts Office Solutions and Silent View Windows have sponsored the blue Rotary T-shirts which will be worn by the volunteers organising the event.

“We have received a great response and support from the local businesses like the MP Sports Cricket Academy and many local groups. A team of Thame town councillors lead by Mike Dyer will participate this year for the first time. Lord Williams’ School, Thame Swimming Club, primary schools from Thame, Chinnor, and Haddenham are also likely to send swimmers as last year.

“Everyone over the age of eught can take part. More local groups and businesses have been contacted and are expected to participate. Thame Rotary Swimathon became a traditional annual event and is now a part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

“We are looking for another 15 teams of up to 6 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.”

The 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

Also the public can support their favourite teams by donating on-line on: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/thamerotaryswimathon2013

PHOTO: Lightfoot’s winning team last year, 2012