Swimathon grants financial help worth £30,000 to aquatics organisations

Dozens of aquatics organisations from across England have received grants totalling almost £30,000 from the Swimathon Foundation Covid-19 Relief Fund.

The Foundation has helped ‘give a lifeline’ to clubs, swim schools and organisations in England which have suffered financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 100 grants were distributed across the United Kingdom after the Swimathon Foundation increased its financial commitment from £30,000 to £50,000 after being overwhelmed by applications.

A total of £29,765 was shared between 61 Swim England-affiliated organisations.

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.

Help to ensure their future

“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.”

Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to hear that so many organisations have been supported by the Swimathon Covid-19 Relief Fund programme.

“Many have been battling to stay afloat during this challenging time and we hope that the money the 61 organisations 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 in their hour of need and we thank them for their generosity.”

Swimathon has raised more than £50 million for good causes since it was formed in 1997 – and more than 750,000 people have taken part.

This year’s event was due to take place at more than 600 pools between 27-29 March but was postponed until 16-18 October due to the coronavirus outbreak.