The hunt for this year’s main beneficiary from the Skipton Swimarathon has been extended by the Organising Committee as they push back the deadline for submission of applications.
Following the implementation of Government restrictions on the island due to the resurgence of the pandemic, the committee has recognised the need to give applicants more time to submit their proposals, extending the deadline to 12 March 2021.
Nick Guillemette, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon Committee, said: “Circumstances have put pressure upon everyone and we want to give those worthy causes more time to prepare an application. We know that due to the pandemic there will be many charities suffering at this time and plenty of worthy projects, so the more applications we have the greater chance there is of the event being a success.
“Over the past 44 years we have committed to several projects for different charities as well as sole beneficiaries, so the scope of our search is wide. We want to find a cause or causes that will unite the public and encourage as many people, schools and corporate organisations as possible to take to the pool to raise money and have fun”.
Last year’s event saw a record number of participants take part and funds raised, being one of the few community fundraisers able to go ahead. The Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association was last year’s main beneficiary and were awarded £30,000 which has now enabled them to expand their valuable ‘sitters’ service to offer care and support for the carers of those suffering with dementia.
Nick said: “The funds raised by the Swimarathon offers a unique opportunity to any local registered charities who are desperately seeking both financial and moral support for their community projects”.
