People in Moray are being asked to make a splash for Polio and sign up for the “biggest swim in the world” next month.
Elgin Rotary Club is asking schools, swimming clubs, local organisations, businesses, families and individuals to take the plunge at Swimarathon in Elgin and Lossiemouth on Saturday, February 21.
Swimarathon is part of the Rotary Global Swimarathon which involves tens of thousands of people across the world — all raising money for the End Polio Now Campaign and Rotary work overseas.
Participants may enter as individuals or in teams of up to five members. The entry donation for under 12s is £5 and £10 per person for those aged 12 and over.
Swimmers are also encouraged to gain sponsorship. For every £1 raised locally for End Polio Now, the Bill Gates Foundation will donate a further £5.
The events are in relay format, with lanes for different competency levels, allowing for anyone who is able to swim to take part — whether fast or slow.
The minimum number of lengths required is six, and swimmers are challenged to see how many lengths in total can be swum by all involved.
Elgin Rotary President Lawrence Fraser said: “Swimarathon is now an established event in many countries.
“We are delighted to introduce it to Elgin and Lossiemouth as a fun and family attraction that can help transform lives and see polio eradicated.
“Swimarathon develops personal endeavour and team spirit. I would encourage individuals and teams of all ages to participate in these Swimarathons and to ask family, friends and colleagues to support them in turn.
“Let’s make a splash for polio – and fill the pools with swimmers.”
The Elgin Swimarathon is in the Moray Leisure Centre from 12pm to 1pm.
Lossiemouth Swimming Pool hosts the Swimarathon from 4pm to 5pm. Both pools will be wholly dedicated to the event.
Entry forms and full details can be downloaded from www.elginrotary.co.uk
Forms are also available from Moray Leisure Centre, Lossiemouth Swimming Pool and the Elgin, Lossiemouth and Burghead libraries. The closing date for entries is February 16.