Teams rewarded by Soroptimists for Swimathon efforts

The 2014 swimathon at Warwick School was the 17th organised by Soroptimists and 138 swimmers of all ages took part, completing 1,324 laps. The 25 participating teams raised a total of £7,300. Kenilworth Soroptimists also helped with the administration of the event this year.

Mary Stathe, president-elect of Leamington and Warwick Soroptimist club, handed over cheques to the two charities to benefit from the sponsorship raised - the local branch of Parkinson’s UK and Warwickshire Young Carers’ Project. Both charities will use the money for respite breaks and activities for their carers.

The Soroptimist Diamond Jubilee Cup was won by the Parkinson’s teams of volunteers who raised a record-breaking £2,158. Courier editor Chris Lillington presented The Courier Cup for swimming the most laps to Leamington Amateur Swimming Association Club’s junior team ‘Beijing’ who completed 116 laps . The cup for the Soroptimist team raising the most sponsorship - £449 - was awarded to the Rugby club and a special award was made to the Long Itchington Angel Fish who have supported the event for ten years and this time swam an impressive 68 laps.

A total of over £170,000 has been raised for local charities and causes since the event was launched in 1998.