A Taunton swimathon made its return on Saturday 10th February and Sunday 11th February 2024 after a four-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 restrictions.
The event, a joint venture between Taunton Soroptimists, Taunton 41 Club, and Taunton Round Table, was hosted by Taunton School in one of its onsite swimming pools and was attended by Mayor Cllr Nick O’Donnell and more than 130 swimmers. Taunton School was the main sponsor of the event together with support from Milsted Langdon, Alpha Trophies, Rockwell Printers, and Timpson.
Originally founded by Taunton Soroptimists in 1988, the Taunton Swimathon has taken place at Taunton School every year, apart from 2020 to 2023 during the event’s hiatus, and has raised more than £680,000 for 78 local charities.
This year’s event raised money for Somerset Counselling Centre, Young Somerset, and Ups and Downs Southwest, with the current figure sitting at more than £7,000 with more donations to come throughout the month.
Val Lambert, Swim School & Sports Club Manager at Taunton School, said: “Taunton School is delighted to have hosted the Taunton Swimathon again this year. It is a great charity event which invites keen swimmers in the local community to challenge themselves in the pool.
“We are very happy that the event has already raised lots of money and, as always, has helped to raise the profile of swimming as a fabulous way to exercise and have fun. Well done to all swimmers who took part over the weekend!”
The Taunton Swimathon is just one of many events hosted by Taunton School, with its swimming pools, sports pitches, theatre, hall, and more all regularly used by local companies, sports teams, and schools.
Christine Biggs, organiser of the Taunton Swimathon, said: “It was great to return to Taunton School this year and I’m thrilled that everyone enjoyed themselves and we were able to raise a good amount of money for local charities.
“Thank you to everyone at Taunton School for their generosity and help with the event. We can’t wait to return next year!”
The event will return in 2025 with hopes that it will be even more successful. To find out more about the Taunton Swimathon, visit https://www.taunton-swimathon.co.uk/.
Categories: News
