Bathing pools 24-hour challenge will help more people get in the water
A 24-HOUR swimming challenge will raise funds to help ensure La Vallette Bathing Pools are accessible to all.
Endurance swimmer Adrian Sarchet will be targeting swimming the equivalent distance from England to France and back – 41 miles – in the Ladies Pool.
Corporate and social teams as well as individuals will have the opportunity to swim alongside him during one-hour slots.
The challenge has been organised by Vive La Vallette, which wants to raise funds to allow wheelchair and reduced mobility access into the Ladies Pool and other facilities at the Bathing Pools.
‘Swimming in the sea has, quite literally, transformed my life for the better and I want each member of the Bailiwick community to have the same opportunity,’ said Adrian.
‘Vive La Vallette’s redevelopment of the Bathing Pools has “access for all” and “inclusivity” at its heart and this fundraising initiative, to install a step-free assisted access ramp into the Ladies Pool, is the ultimate expression of those ideals. I have swum all around the globe over the last decade, but this time I’m swimming at home – come and swim with me.’
The challenge take place in the Ladies Pool from 3pm on Saturday 20 August.
The new facilities will benefit people who cannot currently access the pool.
This could be parents with small children using prams or pushchairs; swimmers with a disability and those with mobility impediments who simply cannot use the existing steps; or older members who would feel safer walking on a flat surface with the benefit of a handrail.
A new lift and improved access to the changing rooms and cafe are part of the project.
Vive La Vallette community lead Helen Bonner-Morgan said: ‘The Vive La Vallette team is extremely grateful to Adrian Sarchet for agreeing to support our project with particular emphasis on the fundraising effort for the wheelchair and reduced mobility access to the Ladies Pool. The Sea Donkey Challenge will be a one-off fundraising event to support this community asset and we hope that it will capture the imagination of many.’
Funds already donated to the assisted access facilities include significant donations from the Friends of the Vallette LBG, the John Ramplin Charitable Trust and the Guernsey Community Foundation.
Registration for the swim is now open, visit the Vive La Vallette website. Spaces are limited with entry via Race Nation.
It’s free for social teams and individuals but fundraising is expected. There is an entry fee of £1,000 for corporate teams and additional fundraising is encouraged. Teams can consist of up to six swimming for one hour, either all together or taking it in turns as a relay team.
You can make a donation via https://sportsgiving.co.uk/sponsorship/race/2712.
