40 Beneficiaries chosen to share anniversary funds

To celebrate its landmark 40^th anniversary, organisers of the Skipton Swimarathon have selected 40 local good causes to benefit from the fundraising in 2016.

After calling for applications from Guernsey based charities, the organisers had the daunting task of identifying 40 from a choice of over 60 local good causes. 

The Lions Club and The Guernsey Round Table distribute the funds annually and this year aim to make a £1,000 donation to each of the charities chosen.

Steve Hogg, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon, said: “We’re really proud to be celebrating the Swimarathon’s 40^th Anniversary Year.  It is to celebrate this landmark and reflect the community nature of the event, that we are aiming to give £1,000 each to 40 local charities.  We decided to share the funds raised in this way to ensure a wide cross-section of the Bailiwick’s charities benefit from the efforts of the swimmers and generosity of their sponsors.  

“Be it improving facilities for a baby and toddler group in Alderney; offsetting operational costs like broadband charges; or providing funds to get a new project off the ground for the Guernsey Disability Alliance we are delighted to be able to support local causes in so many different ways and look forward to another successful event.”

Jim Coupe, MD of sponsor Skipton International said: “We are pleased to confirm that momentum is now building towards the 40^th annual Skipton Swimarathon in October, with registration opening in June. Alongside the organisers we are urging anyone who has taken part in the event over the years to consider joining in again this year; remembering the emphasis is on community, having fun and raising money for good causes rather than swimming ability and setting records.”

The first Swimarathon Organising Committee was formed by The Lions Club of Guernsey, Guernsey Round Table and Variety Club of Guernsey under the chairmanship of Harry Bisson in 1977 with the aim of raising funds to put back into the community. Forty years later and the event has grown from 1,000 swimmers to over 1,800 in 2015, raising in total over £1,350,000 for Guernsey charities.

Online registration will open in mid June. See www.swimarathon.org for further information.