Everyone Active Joins the World's Biggest Swim

Stratford Leisure Centre, Studley Leisure Centre and Shipston Leisure Centre are urging the local community to sign up and join in with the World's Biggest Swim.

This year's Swimathon will take place on 18^th-20^th March so there is plenty of time to set up a team or train for a personal challenge.

The event, which was established in 1986, has raised more than £40 million for charitable causes with Sport Relief as the official charity partner for 2016.

Stratford Leisure Centre, Studley Leisure Centre and Shipston Leisure Centre are offering a range of distances and challenges to suit swimmers of all fitness levels.

Individuals can choose from 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k distances. There are also team challenge distances of 1.5k and 5k. Teams can split the distance however they choose to cater for the strongest and weakest swimmers in the squad.

Swimmers looking for a helping hand with their swimming technique or with putting together a swimming training plan can visit the centres where Everyone Active fitness motivators are on-hand to provide training advice leading up to the April event. On the day of the event the Everyone Active team will be out in force to encourage and support swimmers. 

Swimming is already credited to be one of the best total body exercises for health and fitness. Not only does regular swimming challenge the heart and lungs, it also helps with muscular strength and endurance.

Everyone Active was named Facility Operator of the Year at the annual ASA Swimtastic Awards in 2015- the fifth time that they have scooped the accolade- and are committed to encouraging as many children and adults as possible to get active through swimming.

“We are delighted to support the Swimathon again this year," says Everyone Active Contract Manager, Toni Gaskins. “People of all ages and abilities can take part and it's a great opportunity to raise money for charity while enjoying a fantastic workout. Sport Relief is a truly worthwhile cause so we're encouraging as many people as possible to set up a team, take the plunge and join in the fun."

Cllr Mike Brain, Technical Services Portfolio says: “We are delighted to be involved in Sport Relief's mission to use sport and leisure to change lives for the better through the Swimathon.  Our focus on improving the health and wellbeing of people in Stratford-on-Avon District fits in well with the ethos of this inspiring and important sporting challenge. Being active and having fun, whilst raising money for a great cause is a marvellous combination and we encourage everyone to make a contribution as a swimmer, sponsor or volunteer."

For further information on the Swimathon and to register, visit or www.swimathon.org.