BIG SWIM MAKES A SPLASH FOR LifeLEISURE’S THE BIG EVENT SERIES

Stockport’s very own summer sporting event, The BIG Stockport Event Series 2014, organised by sports and leisure facilities operator Life Leisure, kicked off last weekend with the first event of the series, The BIG Swim, held at Life Leisure Grand Central Pool in the town centre.

The BIG Swim, a new event for 2014 that included both a family friendly ‘challenge yourself’ event and an elite swimming event covering distances of 1.5k, 3.8k and 5k, was attended by some of the area’s strongest swimmers raising funds in aid of their chosen charity and more than 30 local families.

The BIG Event Series, which this year is sponsored by Electricity North West and Orbit Developments, was launched two years ago as a lasting legacy to the London Olympics. The aim is to provide a fabulous and accessible opportunity for everyone in the local community to get involved in a great sporting event, on their doorstep.

Above: Demi and Ellie Smith-Braine, who took part in the family swim, pose proudly with their Big Swim certificates, after completing 4 lengths each.

Neil Bardsley, Sport Development Manager at Life Leisure commented,

“The Big Event Series is aimed at encouraging people from Stockport to get involved in sport and physical activity, no matter what their fitness level. We are hoping that the events will provide residents with the motivation they need to get into physical activity and improve their fitness. The Big Swim got the event off to superb start and we were delighted with the turnout. No matter what distance participants decided to tackle, everyone had great fun and those swimming for charity did exceptionally well.”

Next on the agenda is The BIG Stockport 10k Walk, supported by the Rotary Club, which will be held on Sunday 7^th September at Woodbank Park. This event is suitable for walkers of all abilities from the speed walker to the casual stroller. The BIG Stockport 10km Run on Sunday 21^st September will complete the series.

For more information and details of how to sign up for upcoming events in the BIG Stockport Event Series visit www.lifeleisure.net or call Neil Bardsley or Laura Mylotte at Life Leisure on 0161 482 0900.

Photo Caption: Demi and Ellie Smith-Braine, who took part in the family swim, pose proudly with their Big Swim certificates, after completing 4 lengths each.