28 July 2008
Record-breaking Great North Swim soon to make a splash on
Windermere
Organisers are offering a last chance to take part in Britain’s
largest open water swim, the Great North Swim.
In just two months, over 1,800 swimmers of all abilities have
signed up to make a splash for the unique event, taking place on
England’s longest natural lake, Windermere.
Following a hugely popular launch event in Manchester and
backing from the UK’s most successful male swimmer and eight times
World Record Holder, Mark Foster – organisers have decided to offer
even more people the chance to undertake the challenge, releasing a
total of 2,000 places for the event taking place on Saturday 13
September.
With individual entries now closing, people still wanting to
take part can secure a place through a number of charities
supporting the event, which are listed at www.greatnorthswim.org
Swimmers of all abilities are expected to grace the stunning
shores at Low Wood, to take up the challenge of a specially
designed one-mile course – wetsuit optional.
Recently returning from Croatia, having broken the British
record the 50m freestyle and rising to ninth in the world rankings,
Mark said: “I am really pleased to support this event as it offers
so many people from different backgrounds and abilities, the chance
to be part of something special and really get involved and get
passionate about swimming.
“To have over 1,800 swimmers already signed up, in such a short
time is fantastic!”
Inspired by the Bupa Great North Run, the world’s largest half
marathon, the team behind it have translated the formula to the
water. The Great North Swim is designed to suit people of all
abilities, from club or competitive participants, to fun and
charity swimmers.
Organisers have teamed up with a number of strategic local
partners to create the new event, with the NWDA, South Lakeland
District Council, Invest in Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism, Lake District
National Park and English Lakes Hotels all backing the innovative
swimming experience.
Sheldon Phillips, Partnership Marketing Manager at Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “We are thrilled by the
response to the event so far. This really highlights that people
want to embrace new sporting challenges and be part of something
special – it’s great that the organisers have been able to increase
the number of places available.
“The NWDA is pleased to support the first Great North Swim and I
hope many visitors will be encouraged to take part and go on to
explore the outstanding assets of Cumbria and the Lake
District.”
Entry for the event is open to people aged 15 and over. All
swimmers must have completed a one-mile swim in training before the
event to qualify. Wetsuits are optional but are recommended.
People wanting to find out more can go to www.greatnorthswim.org to
enter the event as well as get help and advice on how best to
prepare for the challenge.
The Great North Swim is the latest event to be launched as part
of Take to the Streets, a national activity initiative designed to
fight spiralling inactivity and obesity rates and raise huge
amounts of money for charity in the process.
Taking part in the event will mean that swimmers will be part of
it and contribute to the ambitious target of getting over two
million people active and engaged in a Take to the Streets event
each year by 2012.
Ends
For further information please contact Felicity Amer or Tony
Bradley at Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations.
Tel: 0191 281 8833
Fax: 0191 281 4954
Email:
felicityamer@bradleyomahoney.co.uk
or
tonybradley@bradleyomahoney.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Great North Swim Partners
The Northwest Regional Development Agency
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic
development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
Additionally, the NWDA works to secure world-class events, which
are distinctive and capable of attracting large numbers of visitors
from outside the region and significantly enhance the profile of
the region. www.nwda.co.uk
Cumbria Tourism
Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism in the county
and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy. It is
also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with more than
2,000 members. To find out more about the work of Cumbria Tourism,
visit www.cumbriatourism.org
Cumbria Tourism is supported by the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA). Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism
in the county and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor
Economy. It is also the largest membership organisation in
Cumbria with more than 2,000 members. Over 15 million annual
visitors to Cumbria contribute more than £1 billion to the local
economy and support around 36,000 jobs. To find out more
about the work of Cumbria Tourism, visit www.cumbriatourism.org
Invest in Cumbria
Invest in Cumbria is a company owned by Cumbria County Council,
the council responsible for the county of Cumbria in the North West
of England. Its remit is to secure new investment into the county
whilst also working with and supporting larger organisations
already in Cumbria to expand within the area.
The organisation supports a wide variety of events and
activities, which showcase Cumbria as an ideal location to live,
work and visit. www.investincumbria.co.uk
Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is the perfect setting for the
Great North Swim. Surrounded by stunning scenery, we are proud to
host swimmers of all abilities on England’s longest lake. We work
with partners to realise a Vision for the National Park. It will be
a place with a prosperous economy, world class visitor experiences
and vibrant communities - and all sustaining the spectacular
landscape.
Events like the Great North Swim support this Vision. It’s
accessible, fun and safe. It promotes enjoyment of the National
Park and will inspire! www.lake-district.gov.uk
South Lakeland District Council
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) was formed in 1974 and is
one of the six District Authorities in Cumbria. Its vision for
South Lakeland is: “By involving people and creating opportunities
we will make South Lakeland the best place to live, work and
visit.”
The district is one of England's largest shires covering an area
of over 600 square miles and with a resident population of over
100,000. It is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in
Britain including parts of the Lake District National Park, and the
Yorkshire Dales National Park. www.southlakeland.gov.uk
English Lakes Hotels
All five of English Lakes Hotels deliver the same quality service
but possess their own very individual character. They all occupy
excellent locations, with three luxurious hotels on the shores of
Lake Windermere, a traditional coaching inn with its own 72 acre
private woodland in the Gilpin valley and a stylish hotel close to
the historic city of Lancaster.
Onsite of the Low Wood and Lancaster House there are extensive
leisure clubs. Both complexes have a pool, fitness studio, sauna,
steam room, indoor and outdoor spa baths and beauty salon, offering
all of the requirements for a truly relaxing break.
Low Wood is ideal for those with outdoor activities on their
agenda. The hotel has its own Marina, Watersports and activity
centre, offering water skiing, sailing, boat hire and other
activities. www.elh.co.uk