The Rotary Swimarathon in Grantham raised £43,000, with 232 teams participating. This event benefits local community groups.
It started Friday, February 7, at the Meres and ended Sunday, February 9. Two hundred thirty-two teams participated, raising money for local groups. The Rotary Club of Grantham organized it, and this year’s event raised about £43,000.
Andrew Gregory, the club president, called it the Rotary highlight. He saw people of all ages having fun as they worked to support the community. He thanked the dedicated team and all of the swimmers.
Councilor Charmaine Morgan opened it with Andrew, saying the Rotarians’ support is “remarkable.” She noted that they support Grantham town a lot.
She was moved by the swimmers’ effort, especially the children and disabled swimmers who tried hard. She noted the team spirit of everyone, remarking that participants and volunteers were kind. The Rotarians helped raise funds, enabling so much more than money.
Roger Graves, who has run it for 36 years, sees all ages and abilities present, saying it’s truly for everyone. Friday had youngsters swimming, while Sunday had power swimmers from Belvoir Tri-Club. Spectators enthusiastically supported them at the Meres.
He thanked volunteers for over 600 hours, acknowledging the many groups that helped organize the event. Grantham Sunrise Rotary, the Inner Wheel Club, and Grantham Kesteven Rotary helped a lot. Inspire Plus, Grantham Twinning Association, and volunteers from Sir William Robertson Academy also contributed.
Autocraft and Magnavale Easton sponsored it, while Belvoir! Estate agents were gold sponsors, as were Grantham Estates Hood Parkes & Co. KBR Gas Services, HSBC UK, Ringrose Law Solicitors, and Specsavers also sponsored at the gold level. Tony Ruby Estate Agents, Vale Protective Coatings, Viking Signs, and Worth Waynflete Foundation were gold sponsors as well.
Allison Homes, JMP Solicitors, and Arraquip Steel were silver sponsors. Vale Garden Houses, Paktronic Engineering, and Printhub also supported it as silver sponsors.
Avanti Windows, Melton Mowbray Building Society, and MKM Building Supplies were other sponsors. SGM Financial Management Ltd also lent their support as sponsors.
Many teams competed in the event, including Belmont Primary School, Belton Lane Primary School, and Simon Cole. St. Barnabas Sharks, The Daybreakers, Priory Paddlers, and others also participated. So many schools and clubs attended.
The next swimarathon is February 6-8, 2026.