People in Moray are being invited to make a splash, have fun – and help raise funding for a campaign that seeks to end Polio throughout the world.
Elgin Rotary are behind a ‘Swimarathon’ that attempts to bring schools, swimming clubs, local organisations and businesses together next month.
The event is part of a world-wide attempt by Rotary branches around the world that will involve tens of thousands of people.
Events are in relay format, with lanes for different competency levels making it an event for anyone able to swim, whether fast or slow. The minimum number of lengths required is six – or whatever can be achieved in the hour.
An added objective is to see how many lengths in total can be swum by all involved. All swimmers will get certificates.
Elgin Rotary President Lawrence Fraser said. “Swimarathon is now an established event in many countries. We are delighted to introduce it to Elgin and Lossiemouth as a fun and family attraction that can help transform lives and see polio eradicated.
“Swimarathon develops personal endeavour and team spirit. I would encourage individuals and teams of all ages to participate in these Swimarathons and to ask family, friends and colleagues to support them in turn. Let’s make a splash for polio – and fill the pools with swimmers.”
The Elgin Swimarathon is in the Moray Leisure Centre from 12 noon to 1pm on Saturday, February 21. Lossiemouth Swimming Pool will host the Swimarathon for the Lossiemouth, Hopeman and Burghead area from 4 to 5pm on the same day.
Participants may enter as individuals or in teams of up to 5 members. The entry donation for under-12s is £5 per person and for those aged 12 and over £10 per person. Swimmers are also encouraged to raise sponsorship monies – and for every £1 raised locally for End Polio Now, the Bill Gates Foundation will donate £5.
Entry forms and full details can be downloaded from www.elginrotary.co.uk.
Forms are also available from Moray Leisure Centre, Lossiemouth Swimming Pool and Elgin, Lossiemouth and Burghead Libraries. The closing date for entries is February 16.