A total of 27 teams took place in this the 28th year of the Blackmore Vale Lions Swimarathon at Clayesmore School. Although the number of teams were slightly down on last year the results this year well exceeded the previous year in every respect.
Although no records were broken the customary enthusiasm was displayed by swimmers and spectators alike and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The number of laps swum by teams ranged from 35 to 108, both improvements on last year. It is also noteworthy that the points scores by all this year’s winners exceeded last year’s figures by large margins. In total teams swam 82 km and raised £7,171 in sponsorship – a fantastic effort.
Half of the money raised goes back to the participants chosen charities and the other half goes to Blackmore Vale Lions chosen charities. The Lions Charity beneficiaries this year were the NSPCC and Julia’s House and in the photograph’s we have two cheques for £1250 being presented to Sarah Wilton of the NSPCC and Amy Kidd of Julia’s House by Lion President Colin MaCleod with a number of the school teams who took part.
The prize winners were:
Best Group: North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club
Best Senior team: Stour Provost School PTA
Runner Up: Clayesmore Master Swimming Club
Best Junior team: North Dorset Turbos Boys
Junior Runners Up: Stour Provost School Pupils
Presidents Shield: St Gregory’s School Marnhull