“Take the plunge, take part and take us on” says victorious Chamber for 2012 Swim Challenge

2011 Winners encourage other businesses to ‘become champions’ in 2012

The winners of the nationally renowned Great East Swim Team Challenge have come together to encourage other businesses to enter next year’s race as applications open for the event.

The 2011 British Gas Great East Swim, which was held in the glorious surroundings of Alton Water near Ipswich, had over 3000 participants. The 2012 event is seen as a key milestone for medal hopefuls leading up to the London Olympics.

“The Great East Swim is a great opportunity for business men and women to swap their office suits for wet suits,” said Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Dugmore whose team won the race. “We were delighted to win the 2011 event and as we look towards Olympic year would encourage businesses across Suffolk to take the plunge, take part and come and take the Chamber on.”

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce team, made up of brothers Richard and Alan Pledger who work together in their family-owned IT business, React Computer Partnership, entered the Team Challenge with their brother-in-law Lee Matthews, from Royal Mail and Chris Marsh, Director from Insurance Brokers AT&A.

Although all four have done the swim before and were delighted to win the nationally recognised team event “In 2011 it was the third time I had taken part in the event and to be part of a winning team was a great thrill,” said Chris Marsh. “The whole experience is not to be missed and especially in Olympic year it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved.”

The challenge is open to swimmers of all abilities, but teams must consist of four. These can be either all male, all female or mixed teams comprising 2 men and 2 women. Although, teams can be made up of friends, family and club members, the organisers are particularly keen to encourage entries from businesses and organisations who can use the opportunity to enhance team performance and social responsibility, while at the same time encourage a healthier lifestyle through exercise as well as raising money for charity too.

Councillor Kathy Gosling, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing said, “The British Gas Great East Swim Team Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity for families, friends and work colleagues to get together, train together and enjoy a great day out. An event like this provides a unique opportunity to inspire people to take up more physical activity and lead healthier lifestyles, contributing to our ambition to make Suffolk the healthiest county by 2028.”

The 2012 event will again take place at Alton Water on 16 June 2012.

For further details and how to sign up for the 2012 Great East Swim, please visit www.greatswim.org/Events/British-Gas-Great-East-Swim