Leisure Centre gets ready to make a splash

MAKING A SPLASH. Coleraine Leisure Centre staff, Alastair Chambers, Shirley Jackson and Natashia Maguire, pictured promoting a Swimathon for Sports Relief which is sponsored by Sainsbury's with their staff Aidan McAuley, Audrey Marshall and Cameron Orr included.CR7-100SC.

Swimmers can take the plunge on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March 2014 in support of Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon.

The Swimathon is the United Kingdom’s biggest fundraising swimming event with thousands of people jumping into pools around the country.

Potential swimmers can choose from 1.5kilometre, 2.5kilometre or 5kilometre individual distances.

For those who prefer a team challenge, there is the option of a relay squad to tackle the 1.5kilometre or 5kilometre distances with water-loving friends and lap up the glory.

To really make the swimming challenge count, don’t forget to get sponsored!

The money raised will go to Sport Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives both here in the United Kingdom and around the world.

To help guide swimmers while training for their chosen distance, Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President, Duncan Goodhew MBE, has offered his expert advice and encouragement to swimmers of all levels.

2012 Paralympian and four time Paralympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds, is also backing the event and encouraging the nation to take a dip.

Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds OBE said: “I’m really keen on making swimming accessible for everyone and there is a challenge to suit all levels of expertise at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon.

“I’d encourage people to take the plunge and make every length count by being sponsored to take on a challenge and do their bit for Sport Relief!”

Enter the Swimathon today at www.swimathon.org. For information on session times please contact Coleraine Leisure Centre on 0287035 6432.

For more information please contact Shirley Jackson on 02870356432 or [email protected] The Swimathon started in 1986 and since then more than half a million swimmers have taken part, raising over £40 million for charity.

Pools and operators continue to encourage visitors to enter the Swimathon, with more than 37% of participants in 2013 hearing about the event through their swimming pool. Their continued support is extremely important to the success of the event.

Since 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £195million, helping to change lives of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world.

Visit sportrelief.com for the latest news.