Swimathon campaign is so important for charities - Goodhew
FORMER Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon president Duncan Goodhew is calling on the people of Bristol to raise crucial funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie by taking part in this year’s Swimathon.
Swimathon is the UK’s biggest annual recreational swimming event and more than 750,000 people have taken part since its formation in 1986.
This year the event has gone virtual, with swimmers of all abilities across the country taking part until the end of October. In response to the restrictions in place at swimming venues, MySwimathon can be completed in one session or spread across multiple days.
“Swimming is the heartbeat of
British culture and the Swimathon Foundation has helped many fantastic causes over the years by raising money through its annual Swimathon campaign,” said Goodhew.
“This year has been difficult for so many people, and it’s going to get harder in the coming months. It’s important that, where possible, we get back in the pool for our physical and mental health and through Swimathon, ensure vital charities have the funding they need to continue supporting the people who need it.”
Swimathon’s fundraising comes at a time where thousands of charities are facing financial hardship, in part due to the cancellation of a large number of high-profile fundraising events which has seen 6,000
charities close. Before March’s lockdown forced the pools to close, 14 million adults swam each year, equating to a third of the nation. The leisure industry has struggled to fully reopen, despite the huge physical and mental health benefits the sector offers. Swim England’s Value of Swimming research showed that aquatic activity saves the public purse £357 million per year and that users are healthier and happier.
The 1980 100-metre breaststroke Olympic champion is a huge advocate for the benefits of swimming on the nation’s wellbeing. With 78 per cent of pools now back open or working towards a reopening date, it is the perfect time to get back into the water.
“With so many high-profile fundraising events unable to take place this year, Swimathon offers a fantastic opportunity for people to raise money for charities who are going to be more important than ever before. Swimathon also gives you a reason to get back in the water and experience the positive health benefits associated with swimming”, said the Swimathon Foundation’s President.
The Swimathon Foundation is a remarkable ‘force for good’ in communities all across the UK, having raised more than £54 million for a number of charities over the years.
Entries are still open for Swimathon 2020. To enter, visit www. Swimathon.org and for more information about the Swimathon Foundation, visit www.SwimathonFoundation.org.