Great success expected at British Gas Great East Swim
The British Gas Great East Swim, now in its second year, has attracted a bumper field of over 3,000 swimmers – double last year’s inaugural entry.
Many swimmers will be aiming to raise much needed funds for a raft of good causes – and they will take the plunge alongside some of the world’s best swimmers.
Current world champion Keri-Anne Payne is expected to make a big splash as is European champion 200 Individual Medley James Goddard– one of Britain’s best swimmers– and World champion 10k and 25k Brendan Capell from Australia.
The elite men’s and women’s races get underway at midday and is free for spectators.
There will be lots to see and do at the event – expected to attract some 12,000 visitors– including a local farmers’ market, a climbing wall, trampoline and ‘come and try it’ sports.
In addition to the one mile swim there is also a 500m open water swim for those aged 11 and over – a new event for 2010 that is aimed at families.
Colin Hill, Great Swim Project Manager, said: “We are advising everyone to arrive at the event site at least one hour before their start time so they have plenty of time to beat the traffic and have a stress free swim.”
“It should be a brilliant day and we’d like to thank all the event partners who have had the vision to support what has become the biggest and best outdoor swim series in the country. Good luck to everyone taking part.”
Cllr Rosemary Clarke, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing for Suffolk County Council, said: "Suffolk County Council makes very clear its commitment to healthier lifestyles; our goal is to make Suffolk the healthiest county by 2028. The British Gas Great East Swim has become an important sporting and community event underlining that firm ambition. It has rapidly become a standing fixture in the Suffolk’s calendar, so with nearly 3,000 swimmers we can expect further a boost to tourism and our county’s businesses.”
The event is the first of five open water swims taking place across the country with the next instalment being the British Gas Great London Swim at the Royal Victoria Dock on the 3 July. Over 20,000 swimmers are expected to take the plunge across the series.
Pamela Brown, Brand manger for British Gas, said: The British Gas Great Swim series is fast establishing itself in the sporting calendar as must-do challenges for thousands of people of all ages and abilities and it is due to events such as these that we got involved with swimming in the first place. As a supporter of swimming in Britain through all levels we wish every swimmer the best of luck in completing their swim. We are especially proud that hundreds of our own British Gas staff will be taking to the water to raise money for our charity of the year Make a Wish.
For more details visit www.greatswim.org