Harlow Penguins Swimming Club Covid Appeal

Aim

This fund is designed to help Harlow Penguins SC sustain our return to the pool while continuing to deliver a quality swim programme.

A little bit about the Penguins

Harlow Penguins is a friendly, competitive swimming club, catering for swimmers of all abilities and ages. We provide a structure that will enable them to progress from beginners to National Champions.

Our aim is to create well rounded young athletes through a stimulating, challenging and competitive environment. Supported by dedicated coaches, teachers and volunteers, swimmers are supported to reach their individual potential.

We currently have approximately 400 swimmers, ranging from 4yrs old in our Swim School programme to 74yrs in our Masters Squad.  We have many County, Regional and National competitors, with many across several age groups achieving podium success.

Why are we fundraising?

This fund is designed to help Harlow Penguins Swimming Club sustain our return to pool while continuing to deliver a quality swim programme designed to allow our swimmers to train as safely as possible within the Swim England and Government guidelines. 

Due to Covid-19 we have been unable to hold swim meets, the financial life line that swimming clubs need. Unable to run our December meet and with no date in the near future as to when we can hold one again we have lost in excess of £15,000 expected income.

From March until August our swimmers were unable to swim due to lockdown. For our young people who can train with their friends, some of them up to 6 days per week that was a very difficult time. They can only be admired for their dedication  and resilience, with many continuing land-based activities and continued enthusiasm for their return to the pool.

Swimming is more than just a sport to many of our members, it's a way of life. Being part of the Penguins Family is crucial to their wellbeing, not just physically but mentally. As a member of a competitive team means our young swimmers need to be organised, disciplined and resilient. All valuable life skills. 

How will your donation help?

Unfortunately, none of us know what 2021 has in store.  As all of our usual revenue generating  activities have been put on hold we are looking for other ways to raise funds to see us through these difficult times. 

We are aiming to bridge the gap between the fees our parents pay and the costs of pool hire, to continue to train our volunteer coaches and teachers by helping them further their career plus also retain the services of our wonderful Head of Swim School and Head Coach.

The Government and Swim England have laid down guidance to keep swimmers safe. We are committed to following these rules and keeping our members safe is our top priority. 

Match Funding

Once we have raised 25% of our initial target we can apply for Sport England 'Active Together' match funding.  If we succeed at that and we go on to raise 100% of our target Sport England will match the funds we raise to make our total even bigger!!  So, PLEASE, PLEASE support us if you can!

We hope that all of our extended swimming family, ex-swimmers and supporters and local community will be able to help us and donate towards keeping our current swimmers stay in the pool and provide opportunities for future athletes for years to come. 

Rewards & Incentives

We have some great rewards and incentives for members and non-members to help us reach our target.  Please see the section to the right for the rewards on offer in exchange for your donations.  If there is nothing that takes your fancy, then you can still donate an amount that you feel comfortable with, as the saying goes "Every little helps!" Harlow Penguins are sincerely grateful for any support you can give. 

This project successfully funded on 24th December 2020