After months of planning Riverside’s first SwimRelay took place on 1st Nov 2015. Early days yet as money is still being collected but we are expecting iro £7000. Half will go to Children-in -Need and the other half to charities that the 24 teams chose themselves. Nearly 30 Riverside Rotarians and their partners helped as officials and marshals and feedback all round has been that it was a great success. The following is the press release with more detail about the event:
Rotary Club Make a Big Splash for Children in Need
An exciting new event has taken place in the swimming pool at Maidstone Leisure Centre. Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club proudly presented the very first annual Maidstone SwimRelay, which was held on the afternoon of Sunday 1st November 2015. With the kind support of The Maidstone Leisure Trust and Serco, who manage the pool, over 100 swimmers in 24 teams of between 4 and 6 swimmers swam as many lengths as possible in 30 minutes.
This fundraising event was open to teams of any ability or age, with a great deal of emphasis on fun. Teams came from local schools and clubs and some from as far afield as Sheppey and Bromley.
There were teams of disabled swimmers, some having to use a hoist to enter and leave the pool. The swimmers in the event ranged in age from 7 to 90 years.
Each team raised sponsorship from their friends, families and colleagues based on the number of lengths swum. Prizes were awarded in several categories including most lengths and most money raised.
It is anticipated that once all the sponsor money is collected there will be in excess of £7,000 raised for charity. 50% of the money will be donated to Children in Need, with the other 50% going to nominated charities of the participants’ choice.
BBC Radio Kent presenter John Warnett was the commentator on the day and prizes were presented by Rt Hon Helen Grant MP who was so impressed with the event that she promised to swim herself next year and will endeavor to enter a team of MP’s!
It is hoped that this event will become a major fund raiser for the charities in the coming years.
Event organiser Clive Bradburn said “ We are so pleased with the fantastic response from the teams both in the fund raising and their participation. We had most of our entire Rotary club helping as officials and marshalls along with some of their partners. Their help was invaluable. It was particularly pleasing that all the many children taking part were so enthusiastic but importantly, were well behaved and are a credit to those who care from them. We hope to see them all back next year.”
Rotarians count the lengths
My 90 yr old Mum rests during her swim.
…and receives her prize from Helen Grant MP
I take an unintentional dip !
John Warnett
Mary Lynn
Helen Grant
Me