Who are we?
We are Runnymede SC SwimAbility Squad!
We provide an inclusive environment for swimmers with disabilities to train alongside the mainstream squads and take part in the club’s social activities. We also offer competitive opportunities and provide information and support on swimming competitively at disability galas/para-swimming.
We are a nonprofit organisation that started with only two members back in 2008! We now cater for upto thirty members.
Unfortunately due to the nature of our group and the rising costs , it has become less affordable to be able to access galas and para swimming events. Also less sessions being able to be offered due to costs of booking dedicated pool slots.
Our mission is to coach swimmers 8+ to learn to compete and have fun, due to the nature of our local club we are "Coaching Life's Winners" by instilling the attributes of self motivation, discipline and teamwork, as we recognise that the majority of people don't go to the Olympics or Paralympics.
This would have a great impact on them all, and will improve independence, self confidence and also there mental and social wellbeing.
A trip like this could be once in a lifetime for many of these people and it could improve and change the lives of these challenged young people helping them to become economically valuable members of society.
If it wasn't for SwimAbility, my son Alfie would still be struggling with the affects that the national lock down had on his mental health, and ability to leave the house and socialize. He is included completely and is part of the team. He has attended social events and galas as part of the squad. It helps him to be more independent as he takes himself on the bus to and from training sessions. This time last year this wouldn't have been possible. It's helped with time keeping and planning.
We have a invitation to attend a international gala in Belgium from 20th-24th April 2023.
Currently this isn't affordable, with quotes of over £5000 just for the coach alone. We are setting up some fun ways to raise funds to help our squad attend and achieve at this once in a lifetime gala.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Well this is simple. With out help from generous people it just wouldn't be possible to get SwimAbility to Belgium
Due to the pandemic we have been financially hit hard , including the parents/carers of these young people. There are very few clubs that cater for para swimming training which makes what we do even more valuable to society and our local community.
Money raised would be a considerable help towards us getting them to the gala in Belgium, and broadening their minds and abilities to be able to continue to achieve.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. If you want to run your own fundraiser to support us, maybe a sponsored activity or similar, use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
We NEED to raise funds for the once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Belgium in April to give the Swimability swimmers a once in a lifetime experience improving there level of independence, self confidence and also there mental and social wellbeing. Please help...
Thank you for reading and all at SwimAbility look forward to hearing from you soon .