Nova International, one of the UK’s leading event management and sports marketing agencies, has signed up swim equipment brand Aqua Sphere as the Official Swim Kit Partner to the British Gas Great Swim Series 2012, Europe’s largest open water mass participation series.
In addition to supplying a swim cap to every participant, Aqua Sphere is making available its innovative range of wetsuits to hire or buy from Tri-store, the new official wetsuit rental partner, via the Great Swim website, www.greatswim.org, in advance of the events. Aqua Sphere is also offering its award-winning goggles at a special rate for all those taking part.
Aqua Sphere has partnered with the Great Swim Series for a number of years. As a leading event on the UK open water swimming scene, the British Gas Great Swim Series provides an opportunity for novices and experienced athletes alike to get a feel for the open water.
Comprising five open water events, for which wetsuit wear is compulsory, the British Gas Great Swim Series is staged in rivers, lakes and urban docks across the UK. The 2012 Series opens with the British Gas Great London Swim on Saturday 26 May at the Royal Victoria Dock. The other events are:
- British Gas Great East Swim, Alton Water Park, Suffolk, Saturday 16 June
- British Gas Great North Swim, Lake Windermere, Cumbria, Friday 22 to Sunday 24 June
- British Gas Great Manchester Swim, Salford Quays, Sunday 1 July
- British Gas Great Scottish Swim, Strathclyde Country Park, Saturday 25 August
Last year’s series attracted a record number of participants – 22,000 – across all five event type/distances. Gaining participant numbers year on year, the Great Swim Series has been influential in driving ahead the growth in open water swim event participation.
Helping to add an appeal for TV viewers and broadcast partner Channel 4, the British Gas Great Swim Series has also featured elite open water swimmers such as Great Britain’s Keri-Anne Payne, the world 10K open water champion, and nine-time world champion Thomas Lurz – who won the 2011 Salford and Suffolk events. The duo are expected to compete in selected 2012 British Gas Great Swim Series events, along with a host of other Olympic hopefuls.
Martin Newton, Sales & Marketing Manager for Aqua Sphere, said “We are delighted to have been chosen as the official swim kit partner to the British Gas Great Swim Series. This series has gone from strength to strength and we echo its commitment to introducing more people to the challenge and enjoyment of outdoor swimming.
“Aqua Sphere prides itself on developing equipment which is designed to enhance the swim experience for everyone, whatever their goals, by delivering long lasting comfort and performance. We look forward to a fantastic series and to welcoming more swimmers to the Aqua Sphere experience.”
David Newton, Managing Director of Nova International, added “The British Gas Great Swim Series is renowned as the leading series of open water mass participation events in Europe. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Aqua Sphere, a highly respected aquatic brand which shares our ethos for excellence.”
The British Gas Great Swim Series 2012 is also supported by title sponsor British Gas and category partners Powerade ION, Aqua Pura and the Daily Mirror.
www.aquasphereswim.com/UK
www.greatswim.org
www.nova-international.com
www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming
