Two local charities will benefit from this year’s Guernsey Swimming Club Open Castle Swim on Saturday 25 August.
Proceeds from the event, which is sponsored once again by Louvre Group, will be donated to Guernsey Mind and The Sunflower Project.
All local swimmers from the age of 12 years are invited to take part in the popular annual open water swim. The first group of 50 swimmers will set off at 4:30 pm from the Horseshoe pool at the bathing pools, finishing at the Castle Cornet slipway. The annual swim will run until around 6:30 pm and everyone will receive a commemorative medal and a hot chocolate to warm up post swim.
The Sunflower Project, based at The Youth Commission’s HUB, is a support service for children and young people experiencing bereavement or someone in their family has a serious illness. It provides support to any child of school age.
Funds raised will allow the Project to increase their staff time for one to one support to bereaved young people, ensuring that every child is offered the service they need. Some of the donations will also be allocated to events such as pottery painting for Mother’s Day and Remembering at Christmas.
Guernsey Mind is the second charity to benefit from the swim. Formed in 1977, they provide a service promoting positive mental health for the community and encouraging a better understanding of mental health issues.
The charity will be putting the money towards a suicide prevention training scheme which they will be introducing next year.
“The Open Castle Swim has become an iconic event in the Guernsey calendar. It is the perfect way to enjoy our island’s beautiful waters while raising money for two local charities,” says Haidée Stephens, Managing Director, Louvre Trust (Guernsey) Limited. “We have been so lucky with the weather so far this summer; fingers crossed the sun is shining on us for the swim.
“The Open Castle Swim is open to swimmers of all abilities, so even if you haven’t taken the plunge before why not give it a go this year? The oldest swimmer will also be presented with the Bill Green Memorial Trophy, which islanders have been competing for since 1996.”
“Whether you are looking to beat your time from last year or are just looking to have fun with friends, this is the perfect way to celebrate the end of a fabulous summer,” comments Swimming Club Director, Jo Norman.
Swimmers can take part in the Open Castle Swim for a minimum donation of £3 and should check in from 4 pm near the Horseshoe Pool.
