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The ‘Swimarathon At Large’ kicks off the start of the 41st annual Skipton Swimarathon this week, with local pupils and teachers talking the plunge at schools across the Island all in the name of charity. Skipton and organisers will be visiting schools as students take on the swimming challenge in their own pools during the Swimarathon week.
All but two local schools will participate over the course of the Skipton Swimarathon event, either through the At Large programme or as part of the main event at Beau Sejour leisure centre.
The ‘Swimarathon At Large’ campaign gives children greater flexibility to become involved in the Skipton Swimarathon event by hosting events at their own schools. Through this fun event, they are made to feel part of the wider community, being involved in fund raising efforts for this year’s beneficiary: Guille-Allès Library: Children’s Library Project. It is hoped that through their participation, young children will feel empowered to improve both their swimming and reading skills.
Participants from Le Murier and St. Sampson’s High swimming in the Baubigny pool will be joined by the Lieutenant-Governor and Lady Corder on 6th October as they launch the 11 am session.
Funds raised from the Skipton Swimarathon will be supporting the Children’s Library Project, which is set to transform the children’s library. The cost of the redesign, which will look to create a place where young people can learn, have fun and feel inspired, requires fundraising of £120,000.
In light of this year’s chosen beneficiary, Skipton Swimarathon has selected Reverend Linda Le Vasseur to be their ambassador, due to her literary achievements. A renowned local author, Rev Le Vasseur has written numerous children’s books such as “Louis and the Lost Penguin,” with all profits going towards local charities.
Rev Le Vasseur, along with Nick Guillemette, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon, has already been visiting local school assemblies in the run up to the event, talking about the importance of the event and raising awareness of the Children’s Library Project.
Nick said: “I am delighted to be taking the helm as Chairman of this event in its 41st year. The Swimarathon is one of the Island’s largest fundraising events and it would be wonderful to see this year become the biggest and best event to date.”
Aaron Walden, Commercial Manager, Skipton International added: “We are very fortunate that the whole Island always gets behind this event; there is a real sense of community spirit from the poolside and beyond. We hope that with a very worthwhile beneficiary this year, we can break more records in terms of attendance and fundraising. The Skipton International Team will be diving into the pool again and we would invite as many people as possible to sign up and participate.”
The Skipton Swimarathon is organised jointly by the Lions Club of Guernsey and Guernsey Round Table, and sponsored by Skipton International. The main Swimarathon event will commence at Beau Sejour on 4th October until 8th October. There is still time to enter a team by visiting the Skipton Swimarathon website (www.swimarathon.org).
