Barry Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) is celebrating its centenary year with an outstanding fundraising achievement. Around 40 young swimmers took on the club's 100-mile Centenary Challenge, not only reaching their target but smashing it by completing an incredible 126 miles and raising more than £1,200 for three deserving charities.
Inspired by a similar fundraising event organised by the club in 1981, the challenge took place across three swimming sessions on 18, 19 and 23 October. The original target of 100 miles equated to 6,437 lengths of Barry Leisure Centre’s swimming pool, but the children went above and beyond, completing an amazing 8,168 lengths – a total of 126 miles!
Christine Boston, Chief Executive Officer of GVS, an umbrella charity that supports community groups and champions volunteering, presented all the swimmers who took part with a commemorative centenary medal at a special poolside presentation. The funds raised were shared between three charities: Vale Foodbank, Vale Baby Basics and Level Water, which provides one-to-one swimming lessons for disabled children.
Club Chairperson Heulwen Cooper said: "We are incredibly proud of our young swimmers. To exceed the 100-mile target by such a distance is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful way to celebrate our centenary while supporting three brilliant charities."
The club would also like to thank all the parents, families and supporters who helped make the challenge such a success.