Ryde Rotary Club Swimathon 2013

Synopsis of  2013 Swimathon

The object in the first place was to:

Raise some money to help people and organisations in the local area.

Include organisation and people that our existing charitable fund raising does not cover.

A Swimathon seemed a good idea as it could involve local organisations including Schools, Clubs and Charities which we had not previously contacted.

They also could benefit if they wanted to by taking up the offer of a quarter of money raised being returned to them which would be an incentive to raise more money in sponsorship and getting a return.

The Swimathon was indoors so not subject to weather and could be done at anytime of the year.

It  promoted the local swimming pool which had just become a form of charity.

All of the hard work could be done beforehand with lighter jobs on the day utilising members time only.

We had good response from the pool trustees to go ahead with a maximum possibility of 65 lane usage (Teams).

This was not fully achieved because of wasting time taking about wording of letters to different types of organisation and not being proactive in personal contact.

Th event consisted of 6 teams from  two schools, the Cats Protection League and the Sea Cadets all of which came from face to face contact. This meant one whole session plus a one lane conclusion.

An enjoyable time was had with all of the Rotarians, participating teams along friends, and families looking on and encouraging the swimmers.

It appeared that everyone enjoyed themselves and the pool staff were pleased as the small cafe/ tuck shop took record takings for the day.

We also paid for the two x one hour sessions that we used.

We had generous sponsorship from Wight Salads which covered our expenses which was brilliant.

We currently have received sponsorship money of £730 with some more money to come from one of the schools after the Easter break, with gift aid money to be reclaimed as well. This could amount to a total close to £1000 from 6 lanes not bad for a start.

In addition of course we also had good publicity for our Club.

Do we do it again?

If so it will require more leg work and less impersonal approaches.

John Busby