Swimarathon

SWIMARATHON REPORT ON BEHALF OF KINGSBRIDGE ESTUARY ROTARY CLUB

What a simply ‘splashing’ time was had by all!

After two years without a Swimarathon it was wonderful to be back and holding this much loved event again – it had been greatly missed by everyone, not least the many participants some of whom started taking part themselves years ago when at primary school and this year were up in the Gallery cheering on their own children.

Organised by Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary Club, this truly is a whole Club effort under the superb direction of Robin Rose-Price who, after twenty-five years’ involvement with the event, has decided to pass the baton on to others for next year.  It was therefore, all the more special for Club members, partners and friends that we were able to run it this time round.

It was great to see so many familiar supporters in the water – from local primary schools who combine the trip to the Leisure Centre with their Life Skills visit to teams of amateur thespians, surf lifesavers, sports and swimming clubs, local fitness groups, guides, land and sea scouts, even school staff, many of whom have been coming along for years to help make this event such an inclusive, community effort raising funds both for their own purposes but also the Rotary Club’s chosen charity.

For 2022, the recipient will be The Wave Project and we were very fortunate to have Katie Smith with us for the day to explain how, why, and where the charity operates.  Working with young people referred from across Devon and running sessions in various beach locations including Bigbury offering Surf Therapy, they are passionate about improving the lives of local youth, seeing smiles, and improving their mental and physical well-being.  If you did not get a chance to have chats with Katie on Friday and would like to know more about The Wave Project, check out their website

https://www.waveproject.co.uk/  

So many people – whether volunteer helpers or swimmers raising funds – make the Swimarathon happen, there are too many to mention but special thanks must go to the staff at Quayside Leisure Centre for all their support and hard work to ensure everything runs smoothly.  The atmosphere from start to finish was amazing and everyone went home with a smile on their faces, none broader than those of the team members from Activities 115, so it was super to be able to welcome back such dedicated and enthusiastic supporters of our event.