Swimmers from Peterlee took on a challenge for Swimathon 2013 at Peterlee Leisure centre between 26-28 April 2013. Over 23,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities completed their Swimathon challenge in 616 pools across the UK, helping to raise vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. East Durham Belles entered a team of 30 ladies [...]
East Durham Belles nominated for ‘Swimtastic’ Award for community swim project at Peterlee Leisure Centre
In recognition of their swim programmes at Peterlee Leisure Centre, the East Durham Belles, a Sport England funded project to engage local women in physical activity, have been nominated for the final of the Kelloggs Amateur Swimming Association ‘Swimtastic’ Awards 2011. Six members of the local project were invited to ‘Swim with the Stars’ at the Ponds Forge pool in Sheffield on the 5th November, joining members of the Great Britain swimming, diving and water polo teams in the water.
- The East Durham Belles project was nominated to receive the Community Project of the Year Award by Kate Smith, the Aquatic Officer ASA North East.
- The nomination recognises the swimming element of the organisation’s work to provide opportunities for women to improve their fitness through social groups and individual challenges.
- With the support of Peterlee Leisure Centre, the Belles offer a range of water activities in the centre pool, encouraging women who lack confidence, through body image or previous negative experiences, to get in the water together.
- To date, over 400 women in East Durham have been inspired to get involved with the project.
Quotations
Malcolm Grinstead, Contract Manager at Peterlee Leisure Centre, comments:
It’s great to see the East Durham Belles getting the recognition they deserve. The Belles offer an extremely valuable community project, and we are proud to be part of it. Our partnership began in April, and we hope that it will continue far into the future. At Peterlee, we want the Leisure Centre to be at the heart of the local community, and local charity projects like the East Durham Belles help demonstrate that our facilities offer a great way to improve health and have fun at the same time.