Swimathon offers grants to help clubs and swim schools during coronavirus outbreak

The Swimathon Foundation has launched a Covid-19 Relief Fund to help the swimming and aquatics community deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Grants of between £250 and £1,000 will be available to small swimming and aquatic organisations experiencing short-term financial hardship due to the crisis.

To be eligible, applicants should either be a Swim England registered or affiliated club or swim school or a small, local swimming organisation working to provide swimming or aquatic activity in their communities.

Duncan Goodhew, Swimathon President and Olympic gold medallist, said: “I’m thrilled that we’re able to support members of the swimming community at this difficult time.

“Almost all swimming clubs are run by a few individuals who put in an immense amount of voluntary time to keep clubs afloat.

“Now that hard times have hit, they may be really struggling with all of the costs associated.

Giving back

“These are the unsung heroes of the sport and it’s so important that we do all we can to help them get through this tough time.”

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.

Anthony Kendall OBE, Swimathon Chairman, said: “Swimathon has been raising money for good causes for 33 years, and this fund is a crucial part of its plan to give back to those in the swimming community who are struggling to make ends meet at this time.”

Applications to the Covid-19 Relief Fund grant are welcome from all over the United Kingdom.

For more information about the Swimathon Foundation, and to apply for the COVID-19 Relief Fund grant, visit www.swimathonfoundation.org.