PHOTO GALLERY: Second Mansfield Charity Swimathon a success

Posted on 27th Oct

The second Charity Swimathon organised by the Rotary Club of Mansfield and the Armchair Club overcame Covid-19 restrictions to be another resounding success.

The event was attended in person by Mansfield’s Olympic swimming champion, Rebecca Adlington (above), and her daughter, Summer, who were among the swimmers together with individuals and teams from business, charities, a school and Sutton Swimming Club.

Past president of the Rotary Club and one of the organisers, Rotn Denise Starkey, said: “This second Swimathon event was hugely successful given the present circumstances.

“We had the honour of Rebecca Adlington, together with her daughter and mother, also taking part, with Rebecca’s young daughter completing lengths for the first time in a big pool.

“Swimming alongside Rebecca and her family we had a record number of swimmers wanting to take part in the event, which is now becoming an established annual fundraiser for all concerned.

“There was a diverse range of teams and it was pleasing to see the community spirit shown, particularly by young people who gave their time on a Saturday evening to swim and gain sponsorship for their good causes.

“The Rotary Club and Armchair Club appreciates the effort put in and again thanks the parents/guardians, team leaders and volunteers for their support and hard work.”

The swimathon was held at the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex, Mansfield — with Education Mutual and HW Martin Waste Ltd the sponsors.

Sponsorship was based on the number of lengths swum in a 15-minute time slot by swimmers, who could also be supported through a fixed sum.

Half of the money raised by each team of up to six went to their chosen cause — an organisation or charity — with the remaining 50% being shared by Mansfield Rotary Club Benevolent Fund and the Armchair Club Sports Foundation Trust. The Armchair Club is a group of local businessmen who have been providing financial support for local sports people since 1982.

One of the Sutton Swimming Club members set a new record of completing 52 lengths in the 15-minute time slot.

The club not only supported the swimathon in huge numbers on the day, but also used their pool time at the Lammas Leisure Centre the following week to enable more of their swimmers to take part in the fundraising.

The total amount raised won’t be known for a few weeks, but organisers are optimistic of a great result.

They also praised the efforts of Sutton Swimming Club and Wynndale Primary School, Mansfield, which was the only school to take part. It is hoped that more schools will join the list of swimmers in 2021.

The president of the Rotary Club, Kate Allsop, added: “I want to thank all the swimmers for taking advantage of this unique opportunity to raise funds for their favourite charities.

“Despite Covid-19 being on the increase again, the organisational team worked incredibly hard to ensure the event went ahead in a safe manner. It was a great success with not only Rebecca Adlington and her family being there, but also many of our Rotarians volunteering their time.

“A special mention to Rotn Denise Starkey, who has been a true stalwart for the event and stepped in to compere it.”

The six swim lanes were sponsored by Smart Digital, Mansfield 103.2, Kath Jephson, I-Sourcer, Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 and the Armchair Club and Mansfield Rotary Club. The event was also supported by Mansfield District Leisure Trust, which donated pool time and provided lifeguards and staff support.