BASINGSTOKE Lions Club is kick-starting its golden year with its annual swimathon – this year in aid of helping disabled swimmers compete at the 2017 Special Olympics. Each year, the club – which this year marks its 50th anniversary – hosts a swimming competition in a bid to raise funds for local charities and causes.

But this year, it will be hoping to raise as much money as possible to fund swimmers from the Basingstoke Bluefins (Disability) to represent the South Region at the Special Olympics in Sheffield.

Businesses, local groups and teams of people are being urged to take part in the swimathon – which will be the biggest ever held by Basingstoke Lions Club.

Ann Vicars, president of Basingstoke Lions Club, said: “Our Swimathon has been an annual event in Basingstoke for 34 years.

“Many good causes have benefited because we aim not only to support our own charitable activities but to encourage others to use our event to raise fund for charities that they favour.

“All we ask is that half of the total money raised be donated to our charity trust fund to support our projects.”

The swim is open to teams of all ages and abilities, with teams consisting of between three and six members.

They will swim laps of the pool in relay for 30 minutes – with a lap consisting of two lengths of the pool.

Ann added: “The Lions provide the venue and organisation, including sponsorship forms, lap counters, and record keeping, and there are cups for the team completing the most lengths and raising the most money.

“It’s a fun event conducted in an atmosphere of friendly competition which is ideal for team building and good for company image and moral.”

The swimathon will take place on Saturday, March 5 from 5.30pm at The Sports Centre, Festival Place, Basingstoke.

For details email Philip Wilson, the club’s business liaison officer for the event at: philipjhwilson@btinternet.com or visit basingstokelions.org.uk.