Swimathon 2011

A total of 24 teams made up of 109 swimmers took part in this, our fourth Swimathon .

The Rotary Triers - the team from our own Club;
The Avenue Triers - representing The Avenue Pub in Shincliffe
Three teams from Freeman's Quay (the "professionals");
Two teams from the Treetops Children's ward at Dryburn Hospital:
Two teams from Finchale College (including "The Directors");
Four teams from St. Leonard's School;
Two teams from Down's Syndrome North East:
Five teams from Durham High School for Girls;
Two teams from Teikyo University in Durham;
and last - but not least - a team from the Rotary Club of Durham Elvet.

Well done to all of them - we now look forward to counting all that sponsorship money!

Update: The proceeds were distributed at an event in the Town Hall on March 27 2012.

The first two teams (Rotary Triers and Freeman's Quay 1) take to the water and the Mayor of Durham is ready to send them on their way.
  
The Rotary Triers - Mel French hotly pursued  by Fari Serajian and Stewart Atkin ...

... but Mike Costello made it look so easy!

 
Then it was The Avenue Triers - with Grandpa Eddy Marchant providing a helping hand.


The Treetops Teams came next ...

... including one with FOUR generations of the same family!

The Treetops Teams, ready for the Off, just waiting for Fundraising Chairman David Wallace to blow the whistle.
 

Rtn. Pauline Crow takes it easy while one of her team-mates powers past.
  
We were all deeply impressed by the efforts of young Daisy (7) from London ...

... cheered on by members of her family.

A well-deserved spot prize for Daisy ...
 
... her cousin Victoria (12) from France and her sister Hannah(12)  - rewards for their sterling efforts.

 
The Directors (Finchale College) get ready ... and, augmented by Mike Costello, discuss tactics.

  
There was a welcome return for the teams from Down's Syndrome North East - who always create a great splash!

They were enthusiastically supported by their friends and families ...

... and couldn't resist a photo-call with the Mayor and David Wallace!


The Teikyo Teams catch their breath after their efforts.
 

Unfortunately, there are no photos of the team from Durham Elvet Rotary Club, the last team to swim, to conclude this report.
I'm afraid I had to leave early so that I could visit that wonderful festival of light in Durham - "Lumiere" - and I can't resist including a few images ...

--- Lord Londonderry may not have done, but we do! ---