2010 SWIMARATHON BENEFICIARIES ANNOUNCED
Jersey News, 2 February 2010 –Holidays for Heroes Jersey and the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club are to be this year’s main beneficiaries of the Jersey Swimarathon, taking place at Les Quennevais pool on 3rd – 7th March 2010.
The Lions Club of Jersey and event sponsor RBC Wealth Management announced the nominated charities yesterday. With a record number of teams expected to take to the water next month, the organisers hope the 2010 Swimarathon will raise the much needed funds for these worthwhile organisations.
The Jersey Special Gymnastics Club offers young people with special needs the opportunity to take up gymnastics regardless of their means or ability. Gary Buesnel, Chairman of the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club, is delighted that they have been selected to benefit from the Swimarathon’s fundraising.
‘Our aim is to provide a safe and secure environment in which young people can enhance their physical development through movement, balance and co-ordination,’ explained Mr Buesnel. ‘We are enormously grateful to the Lions Club and RBC Wealth Management. After recent difficulties in securing a permanent home, the funding will guarantee the future of the club over the next few years.’
Since its launch in 2008, Holidays for Heroes Jersey has seen a marked increase in requests for its service of providing week-long breaks in Jersey for those injured in active service. The donation from the Swimarathon will provide over 50 holidays to heroes, carers and their families at the Maison des Landes Hotel.
Richard and Dawn Woodhouse, founders of Holidays for Heroes Jersey, are overwhelmed by the pledge of money.
‘It’s fantastic news – it could easily be the largest single donation that our charity has ever received,’ said Mr Woodhouse. ‘The Maison des Landes Hotel is a fantastic facility for providing restful holidays for all those who have been injured. It’s difficult to find words to thank all members of the Lions Club.’
Lion Eric Bertrand, president of Lions Club of Jersey believes that this year’s beneficiaries will receive a positive response from the thousands of people expected to swim at this year’s event.
‘Jersey has shown how much it values the men and women serving with the armed forces, particularly now there are Jersey residents in the front line,’ remarked Mr Bertrand. ‘Similarly, we are confident that the outstanding achievements of the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club will attract significant support. We hope the island will sponsor our swimmers generously.’
Given the success of last year’s Swimarathon, the capacity for the 2010 big swim has been increased to over 450 teams. Teams interested in taking the plunge are urged to submit their entry forms as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For further details email swimarathon@jerseymail.co.uk or call 01534 878078.
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