Locals take on Swimathon challenge

Keen local swimmers will be out in force this weekend to take on the Aquatics Horowhenua Swimathon challenge.

Swimathon Horowhenua is now in its second year, following a successful first Swimathon in 2017, and will be held from 3:30pm on Saturday 25 August at the Levin Aquatic Centre.

Aquatics Horowhenua Programmes and Events Supervisor Lewis Young said Swimathon is an opportunity for people to challenge themselves and to make a positive difference in the community.

“People enter for different reasons. Some set themselves a goal to meet and enter as a way to improve their fitness. Others do it to raise money for charity or as a team bonding experience,” he said.

Swimmers can enter as an individual or as part of a relay team of up to six people.

Mr Young said there’s something to suit everyone, from novice to expert swimmers.

“You can choose from swims of three different lengths,” he said.

“The shortest swim is 1.5 kilometres, which works out to 60 lengths of the pool and is a good target for novice swimmers. With a bit of training, you could take on the 2.5 kilometre swim, which is 100 lengths of the pool. Or, for swimmers who want the ultimate water challenge, you can opt for the 5 kilometre swim, which is 200 lengths.”

Mr Young said local businesses have got behind the event, with NZME providing advertising sponsorship, ‘snackaball’ makers Tom & Luke providing healthy snacks, and swimwear company Zoggs contributing equipment such as swimming caps and prizes.

There is a small entry fee of $10 for swimmers entering as individuals, and $20 for a team. Swimmers must be at least eight years of age to swim on their own – if they are under the age of eight they are welcome to enter as part of a team.

People can register at the Levin Aquatic Centre or through the Events & Activities page of the Aquatics Horowhenua website, aquatics.horowhenua.govt.nz.

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