Olympian Murphy set for Shark Swimathon

The competitive squads of Shark Swimming Club are holding a Fundraising Swimathon on June 22 from six to 8.30pm in Leisureland, Salthill.

Under the direction of Head Coach Eduardo Santos, they are undertaking the challenge of swimming 207km in two hours and 14 minutes which is the distance and time it takes to drive from Leisureland to the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin.

“We are raising much needed funds for our swimming club and in the process will be donating a portion of the funds raised to Jigsaw, Galway which is a free and confidential support service for young people, aged 15-25, living in Galway city and county.” says Shark Swimming Club Chairperson, Tommy Naughton.

“Our squads will be joined by some very special guest swimmers. We are truly honoured that Olympic Swimmer and European Silver Medallist Grainne Murphy has accepted our invitation to participate in the Swimathon.”

 Murphy will also be joined by World Champion Irish Dancer Claire Greaney, Operation Transformation winner 2011 Ronan Scully and Galway Special Olympics swimmers along with some rugby and football legends.

 “This Swimathon event is a special occasion for our swimmers. It is a true celebration of competitive swimming at every level from beginners to Olympians. It will be a demonstration of swimming talent, and an exciting spectacle to behold.

“It is an opportunity for the general public to support our swimmers and for our swimmers to show how much they love their sport. All this comes as our Shark swimmers prepare to compete in the National Irish Age Groups and Youth and Senior Irish Championships on June 28 and July 18 respectively.

“We are seeking sponsorship from local businesses and companies to pledge an amount per kilometre swam. We would love people to drop in to Leisureland on Saturday week to show their support for the squads and our special guests in their Galway to Dublin Challenge. If you would like to sponsor Shark swimming club in this exciting event, please contact us by emailing sharknacswim@gmail.com and we will send you all the details you need,” added Naughton.