Fun and funds bring Swimathon smiles

THE legacy of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics has once again been carried forward by Thame Rotary’s third edition of the Thame Swimathon at the town’s leisure centre on Sunday, October 12.

The Booker Tate team with Nichola Dixon, Deputy Mayor of Thame, and Linda Emery, President of the Rotary Club of Thame

Over 80 people of different ages swam in teams of six or so for one hour. Groups from Booker Tate, Barley Hill School, Thame Childrens’ Choir, Thame SAFARI, Citizens Advice Bureau, Racquets, Thame Swimming Club, Thame Town Council, and others were represented by enthusiastic swimmers. After the excitement of the swims, all of them were honoured by Nichola Dixon, Deputy Mayor of Thame who, together with Linda Emery, President of the Thame Rotary Club, awarded the teams with medals.

Marius Ciortan, spokesman for the Thame Rotary Club said: “All the teams had a fabulous time and have helped to pledge so far, almost £1,700 for local charities for which the Rotary Club of Thame is very grateful. However, the money continues to come in as the on-line fundraising did not stop and some teams are still busy fundraising.”

“The Thame Swimathon has now become a traditional local community event, so look out for the details of the next one in 2015.” Marius added: “Our thanks go to our sponsors, Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic, Abbotts Office Solutions, Vale Life Magazine, Booker Tate, Haddenham Beer Festival, Silent View Windows, and Ignite Sport, as well as club members, friends and relatives. But special thanks must go to the teams of swimmers from Thame and the neighbouring villages without which this event could not have happened.”

For more information about the Rotary Club of Thame, visit: www.thame.rotaryweb.org or get in touch via facebook.com/thamerotary. Alternatively you can call the club on 07764 85 49 49.