Five-time Olympian and Strictly Come Dancing star Mark Foster was joined by swimmers in wetsuits as they gathered on one of Glasgow’s busiest streets to mark the launch of the British Gas Great Scottish Swim.
Foster, who is one of the UK’s most successful swimmers, said: “It is amazing to see how much the British Gas Great Scottish Swim has grown since last year. It is a new challenge that seems to have really captured the nation’s imagination and the best thing about it is that anyone can take part.”
The swimming legend gave training advice to the group in preparation of their participation in the one mile outdoor swim which will be staged for the second time in Strathclyde Loch, North Lanarkshire.
The swimmers will be taking the plunge next month to raise money for Wobbly Williams – a charity set up by Bryn Williams who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 36 in September 2007. Since his diagnosis Bryn, who lives in Glasgow, has campaigned tirelessly, raising an amazing £141,000 for the awareness and research into Parkinson’s disease.
Bryn will be attending the swim, which takes place on August 21, to support the Wobbly Williams swimmers. They will be joined by over 2,000 participants of all shapes and sizes; some will be taking part for the challenge and many to raise money for charity.
EventScotland, the national events agency, are supporting the British Gas Great Scottish Swim for the second year along with North Lanarkshire Council.
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland said, “Strathclyde Loch is a wonderful location for the Great Scottish Swim to be staged and EventScotland are pleased to be supporting it once again. The event attracts interest and participation from Scotland and further afield including a strong line-up of world class swimmers. The international and elite element adds to the fun and excitement for everyone involved.”
Councillor Tom Curley, Provost of North Lanarkshire Council, added: "The council is delighted to be welcoming the Great Scottish Swim back to Strathclyde Country Park. It's an excellent facility for this kind of occasion, as the success of the triathlons, rowing championships and other sporting events we've hosted have shown.
"We're looking forward to working with all the organisers to produce an excellent day for everyone."
Mark Calpin, from Lanarkshire Tourism Marketing Partnership, said:
“Lanarkshire has fast established itself as the ideal destination for events due to its excellent central location and great transport links. The Great Scottish Swim is just one of a number of events which Lanarkshire now boasts, attracting people from throughout Scotland and further afield into the region.
“These events, coupled with the wide range of attractions and activities in the area, are helping to bolster the local economy and support a progressive tourism industry in Lanarkshire which now generates £315m per year.
The event will be televised on channel 4 later in the year. Entries are still open at www.greatswim.org