“It’s nearly that time of year again when young and old will take the plunge in between opening Christmas presents and tucking into turkey.
The Christmas Day Weymouth Harbour Swim has become a landmark event for the town, with thousands crowding at the quayside to watch the brave swimmers.
Swimmers don all manner of wonderful costumes to raise cash for good causes.
The event is organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club. Swimmers are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the organisation or their own charity.
Just under 400 swimmers took part last year raising more than £20,000 for a whole host of national and local charities.
Ryan Hope Club President said: “Online tickets sales are selling fast already with 280 sold already and for safety reasons the number of swimmers is capped at 500 so people are urged to ‘shop early’.
“Due to popularity we are encouraging people to get there tickets soon from our website www.weymouthlionsclub.co.uk and a ticket costs £10 a swimmer which covers event costs and the remaining going into the clubs charity account”
“Start fundraising for your charity now and help the Lions make this year another record breaker.”
This year the event has been kindly sponsored by Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Craig Oakes who will be taking part in the first race to raise money for Weldmar Hospice trust.
“When I found that I was to take over as Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce President I wanted to do something as a challenge that would not only be completely out of my comfort zone but would also leave a legacy to further Presidents to take up a challenge for themselves in the future. “
“The chamber are delighted to support Weymouth and Portland lions at this event that not only has become a historical event in the towns town’s calendar but also an event that puts Weymouth well and truly on the map”
” The lions do fantastic work in the town and this event really spreads Christmas cheer and supports 100’s of local causes.”
On the day, registration is from 9.45am to 10.45am at the Hope United Reformed Church, Trinity Street. The first swim is at 11am. Those that buy tickets online will not need to register on the morning.”
