Grants from the Swimathon Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Swimathon Foundation is delighted to announce the award of grant funding to over one hundred swimming clubs, swimming schools and independent aquatic organisations, through its Covid-19 Relief Fund.
The Foundation has been overwhelmed by the number of applications received and has taken the decision to boost its original commitment of £30,000 to £50,000 to cover these grants for small swimming and aquatic organisations who have suffered short-term financial hardship due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Long-time Swimathon supporter and former Commonwealth and World champion, Mark Foster, said:
“It is fantastic to see the Swimathon Foundation support the swimming community at this difficult time. These grants will be a lifeline to many people and will play a crucial role in helping to support local clubs and individuals who do so much to keep swimming communities active. Swimathon has been a force for good in swimming communities all across the UK for over 30 years and it is fantastic to see the Swimathon Foundation support people in their time of need.”
Anthony Kendall OBE, Chair of the Swimathon Foundation echoed these sentiments:
“In these difficult times for all swimming organisations, the Swimathon Foundation has been determined to play its part in supporting those smaller, local groups that are the foundation of swimming participation throughout the UK. We have been taken aback by the number of people who need help during these unprecedented times and that is why we have increased our overall donation to £50,000. Swimming is a vital community activity and we are proud to play our part.”
Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, said:
“We’re delighted to hear that so many clubs have been supported by the Swimathon Covid-19 Relief Fund programme. Many clubs have been battling to stay afloat during this challenging time and we hope that the money the 61 clubs in England have received will go some way to ensuring their future. With so many club swimmers raising money for Swimathon charities over the years, it was pleasing to see Swimathon looking to help those clubs in their hour of need and we thank them for their generosity.”
Sharon Macdonald, Director of Development for Scottish Swimming said:
“We are delighted that 13 clubs in Scotland have benefitted from the Swimathon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will help many clubs during this challenging time to make up for losses incurred due to clubs not operating normally. It is an essential fund to support clubs to get through this difficult time and be ready to meet their members’ needs when pools re-open.”
CEO of Swim Wales Fergus Feeney, added:
“The Swimathon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund has had an enormous impact on our clubs and swim schools who are facing unprecedented challenges. This financial support has allowed these important aquatic providers to continue to support their members and workforce during this time and will help position them in the best place possible to resume activities moving forward.”
The Swimathon Foundation has awarded 101 grants to small swimming and aquatic organisations at the heart of the swimming community.
Examples of some of the organisations that the Swimathon Foundation is supporting include:
The Durham City Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club which is the second oldest swimming club in England with 158 members, including ‘The Sapphire Squad’ which is for swimmers with disabilities.
The Carnoustie Claymores based in Angus Scotland who have been keeping members active by running regular quizzes, land training and challenges via Zoom.
Leander ASC in Belfast who have a great history and pedigree, with a number of former Olympians coming through its ranks as well as being home to some fantastic volunteer coaches.
Swimfinity Wales, a small swim school in Swansea that supports the local community and acts as a feeder to swimming clubs in the local area.
The Swimathon Foundation is a remarkable ‘force for good’ in communities all across the UK. Its main pool-based ‘Swimathon’ has raised over £50 million for charities since it was started some 33 years ago. ‘Swimathon’ is the UK’s biggest pool-based recreational swimming event. It takes place annually at some 600 pools across the UK and some 750,000 people have taken part since the first event in 1986. As a result of coronavirus, this year’s event is now scheduled to take place later in the year.
For more information about The Swimathon Foundation, visit www.swimathonfoundation.org.
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