The ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) is encouraging more people in the UK to experience the joy of open water swimming this summer with the 1,500m Challenge at Rother Valley Country Park on 23 July 2016.
Part of the new ASA National Open Water Festival, the 1,500m Challenge offers people the chance to try outdoor swimming in a relaxed and friendly environment. Family and friends are able to attend for free to support the swimmers and enjoy the festival atmosphere on the shore.
ASA notes that swimming outdoors in the open air takes the sport in a fun, new direction; and (citing Sport England data) the organisation adds that ‘over 85,000 people in England are already heading outside to participate in open water swimming every week’.
A release from ASA continues, ‘Open water swimming is unique and liberating activity. It not only provides an invigorating closer to nature swimming experience but it is also a great way to keep fit and stay active.’
Olympic 10km marathon swimming bronze medallist, Cassie Patten is encouraging people to get involved and sign up to take part in the 1,500m Challenge event.
“From my very first experience of open water I was hooked,” said Patten. “I love the freedom of swimming outdoors and the rush you feel at the start of an open water race.
“Open water swimming is also a fantastic way to stay in shape. The colder water temperature helps raise the body’s metabolism and therefore it’s a great fat burning exercise. All ASA events are run so well and that helps to settle any pre-event worries you might have so you can concentrate on having a good swim!”
She added, “It’s great that this new 1,500 Challenge has been added to the weekend of swimming at Rother Valley. It is the perfect opportunity to become involved in open water if you want a challenge in a safe and enjoyable environment.”
The two-day open water festival also includes the ASA National Masters and Age Group Open Water Championships, as well as giving families and children aged between seven and 14 years the opportunity to take part in Swim Safe and Swim Safe for Families open water safety sessions.
Entries close on Friday 1 July at 12 noon.
The ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) is the English national governing body for swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo. It organises competitions throughout England, establishes the laws of the sport, and operates a comprehensive certification and education programmes for teachers, coaches and officials.
There over 1,000 affiliated swimming clubs that are supported by the ASA through a national, regional and county structure. Millions of children have been taught to swim through the ASA’s learn to swim programmes. The ASA also develops programmes and initiatives to increase the number of people swimming more often.
www.swimming.org/openwaterfestival
