Some of the star swimmers taking part in the first Charity Swimathon organised by the Rotary Club of Mansfield and the Armchair Club have spoken about their support for the event.

People are being urged to take part in Charity Swimathon 2019, which will be staged at two venues — the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex and the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre in Mansfield — over 12th and 13th October.

Commonwealth Games competitor Elliot Clogg (pictured) and Paralympic medallists Sam Hynd and Charlotte Henshaw ­— who has switched to Paracanoe after a successful career as a swimmer — will all be supporting the event in person.

Elliot said: “I am taking part as it’s nice to do something to help to raise money for charity and also to just have a bit of fun doing something I have to take so seriously all of the time.

“Without the financial backing of the Armchair Club when I was younger, participating in training camps abroad would have been more difficult to afford.

“It’s important to take part in local sporting events to show that if I can do it (be successful at swimming) then there’s no reason why others can’t.

“You should never forget where it all began and any opportunity to do something like this should be taken.

“I also like to think that by taking part in these events it hopefully encourages others to participate and raise more money.”

Charlotte said: “The Armchair Club has been a brilliant support to many local sportspeople — myself included.

“Because of my training schedule it has been hard to support other events in the past, but this one has fallen at a time that works for me and so I wanted to be able to help!

“I also don’t swim much anymore since taking up Paracanoe and I thought this was a really nice opportunity to get back into my goggles.

“The monetary help (from the Armchair Club) was invaluable with helping with training and travel costs before I was put on to Lottery funding for swimming — and during the transitional phase between swimming and canoeing.

“It is really important for people from Mansfield who have a position in the sporting world to get involved in such events as it can hopefully be a real source of inspiration for upcoming stars who live in Mansfield.

“If young people can see that there are real success stories from people who grew up in the same place as them, it can hopefully spur them on to following their dreams and know that is it possible.

“The support I have received from the people of Mansfield has been amazing throughout my career and I think it’s part of my job to give back to the people who have supported me thus far.

Sponsorship will be based on the number of lengths swum in a 15-minute time slot or swimmers can be supported through a fixed sum.

Half of the money raised by each team of up to six will go to their chosen cause — an organisation or charity — with the other 50% being shared by Mansfield Rotary Club Benevolent Fund and the Armchair Club Sports Foundation Trust.

Mansfield’s most famous swimmer, Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, has agreed to be the figurehead for the event, which is being supported by Mansfield District Leisure Trust.

Swimmers can choose their preferred date and time. On Saturday, 12th October, Charity Swimathon 2019 will run from 5pm to 10pm at Water Meadows. On Sunday, 13th October, sponsored swimmers can take to the water at the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre from 8.30am to noon.

The Armchair Club is a group of local businessmen who have been providing financial support for local sports people since 1982.
Email [email protected] or call 07773 035987 for further details and to register your interest in taking part.