The 6th edition of the Thame Swimathon took place at Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday 25th February. The event was possible due to generous local sponsors - Thame Leisure Centre, Haddenham Beer Festivals Trust, Aston Hearing, and Ignite Sport - who kindly covered most of the costs, so that more money can be directed towards good causes.
The fun and fundraising event organised by Thame Rotary received volunteer support from other local groups: Thame Lions, Thame Inner Wheel, Princes Risborough Rotary, Wheatley Park School Interact Club as well as family members and friends of Thame Rotarians.
Tom Wyse, Mayor of Thame, awarded medals to swimmers to recognise their fundraising and physical efforts. The Mayor said: “I really enjoyed visiting the Swimathon on Sunday. It was a great event to raise money for the charities. I wish I had the energy that all the swimmers possessed.”
Jo Sackett, of Barley Hill School PTFA, who recruited 4 teams of pupils from the largest Thame primary school, said: “It is such a pleasure to organise teams to take part in this wonderful event. Everyone is so enthusiastic, we raise an amazing amount of money and the children love every minute of it. Very proud of all of them and can’t wait for next year!”
Thame Swimming Club participated with 10 teams. Will Hard, Thame Swimming Club’s Communications Manager, added: “Our swimmers had great fun today at the Rotary Club of Thame Swimathon whilst raising money for worthwhile charities. Thank you to the Rotary Club for running such a well organised event. See you next year!”
Pete Quartly who participated with his family for the first time added: “This was a fantastic event, run very slickly and massively enjoyed by the family. Will be there next year”.
The teams swam 2,640 lengths which represent 66 km or approximately 41 miles.
Most of the teams have taken the option to allocate 50% of the money raised towards their favourite cause, and 50% towards Thame Rotary’s main local charity, SeeSaw. John Singer, President of the Rotary Club of Thame, said: “It's been another highly successful fundraising Thame Swimathon. Everyone involved on Sunday seemed to be having a great time with plenty of enthusiastic support from family and friends - a really great advert for the communities of Thame and its neighbouring villages.”
The amount raised by the teams so far exceeds £4,000. The public has got time till 5th March to support the teams with their online fundraising. The links to My Donate can be found via www.thame.rotary1090.org
More photos taken at Thame Swimathon can be found on www.facebook.com/thamerotary
