City swimmers are invited to make a splash for charity by taking part in the annual Swimathon Weekend at Sheffield International Venues (SIV) operated pools.
Fundraisers can take part in the national event from 27 to 29 April 2012 at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Concord Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Stocksbridge Leisure Centre in Sheffield.
Participants taking the plunge to raise vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s 25th Swimathon can choose from individual 2.5k, 5k or team 5k challenges and those supporting the British Swimming and BBC’s Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief can take part individually or as part of a team to complete the mile.
Lorenzo Clark, director of operations at SIV, said: “We are thrilled to host two fantastic events during the Swimathon Weekend at four of SIV’s pools. Whether participants raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care during the Swimathon or complete a mile for Sport Relief, we hope the events inspire everyone to take the plunge regularly throughout 2012.
“The Swimathon Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for swimmers of all ages and abilities to take part. It would be great to see families and work colleagues all joining forces to raise money for such worthwhile causes. Sheffield is going to be an exciting hub of activity this year thanks to the Olympic Games, so this event is the perfect opportunity for everyone to take part in sporting activities.”
Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon president Duncan Goodhew and Jodie Kidd are this year’s Swimathon Weekend ambassadors.
Duncan said: "We all know that 2012 will be a very special year for sport in Britain. In our 25th anniversary year we’d love to add to the half a million people who have taken part in the event over the years to dive into pools up and down the country. Teaming up with the Big Splash is not only a great way to help make this happen, but should also boost the total funds raised for two important charities.”
The first 10,000 people who sign up for a Swimathon Weekend session before the end of January will receive half price entry. Participants can enter until 25 April 2012.
For more information about how to take part in the Swimathon Weekend, session times, training tips or to sponsor a swimmer visit www.swimathon.org. To improve your swimming you can also take part in lessons at SIV run venues. Visit www.siv.com
