Swimmers of all age ranges came together in a powerful show of community spirit to raise more than £3,000 for the West Wight Sports and Community Centre (WWSCC) at a special fundraising event last month.
The inaugural West Wight Waves event saw 35 participants take to the pool at the end of March, collectively swimming an impressive 90,000 metres, the equivalent of around 60 miles, in support of the much-loved community facility.
The event brought a real buzz to the centre with swimmers aged from just 4 to 76 diving in to show their support. Leading by example was West Wight Swimming Club head coach Lottie James who completed an extraordinary 15,000 metres (600 lengths) of her home pool in three hours and 45 minutes.
Lottie said:
“It was incredible to see swimmers of all ages and abilities come together for something bigger than themselves. The atmosphere was electric with every length swum helping support the future of our centre and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone that took part.”
Among the stand-out efforts was four-year old Elora Briscoe who proudly completed two lengths of the small pool, while Lenny Hassan-Green who underwent heart surgery just fifteen months ago, achieved an inspiring 1,000 metres Team spirit was on full display too, with an all under-15 age group of Marley, Jake, Junior, James and William clocking up a combined 25,000 metres (5,000 metres each).
Another great effort came from Amelie Chick who swam a huge 2,500m at just 8 years of age.
Beyond the pool generosity flowed just as strongly. Sports Centre Trustee Ann Freeman was among the top fundraisers, collecting more than £1000 towards the total.
The event drew widespread support with members, residents and volunteers turning out in force to cheer on participants and help run the day, creating what many described as a “buzzing’ atmosphere.
Clare Griffin, West Wight Sports and Community Centre Manager, said:
“We are, above all, a charity and we rely on amazing community support like this to help us keep delivering the range of sports and facilities we provide for everyone. We were so grateful to the swimmers, volunteers and supporters who made the first West Wight Waves event such a success and we are confident that it will be the first of many.”
Well done all, athletic and nice looking youngsters