The postponed West Wight Sports and Community Centre Solent Swim took place on Sunday 27th August 2023 – the 13th time that the annual swim has taken place to raise funds for the Charity, Forty three swimmers set off from Hurst Castle just after 7am, arriving on the slipway at Colwell Bay from 7:30am, escorted by volunteers kayakers and flotilla of small boats creating a swim corridor, alongside the Freshwater Bay lifeboat crews ensuring the safety of everyone in the water.
A large crowd of family, friends and supporter travelled from near and far to gather on the beach at Colwell Bay, cheering and whooping the swimmers to the finish as they arrived on the slipway where they triumphantly donned their commemorative t-shirts sponsored by Yarmouth Harbour.
Kim Jennings, from East Cowes took part in the event for the first time and said,
“An absolutely magnificent swim and event! Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. Congratulations to everyone!”
Centre Manager Clare Griffin thanked everyone who made the swim possible,
“Thank you to the 32 kayakers, boat crews, Freshwater Lifeboat, Captains Cabin, Yarmouth Harbour, Needles Pleasure Cruises, Blackhouse Quay Aggregates and all the beach crews – we couldn’t do it without you.”
The Solent Swim event is the main fundraiser for West Wight Sports and Community Centre, which relies on grants, donations and fundraising to provide sport, wellbeing and social activities for the community. Now in its thirteenth year, over 450 people have swum the Solent, raising over £240,000 for the charity.
News shared by Rachel on behalf of West Wight Sports and Community Centre. Ed
