Melanie Nocher (double Olympian & European medalist) and Trish Mayon (Swim Ireland) joined Swim for a Mile ambassador Matt in studio today to explain how you can take part in our swimming challenge for 2014!
Swim Ireland has launched its inaugural, all-Ireland ‘Swim for a Mile Challenge 2014’ which takes place in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Bangor and Dublin on 31st March to 4th April 2014.
The project will challenge members of the public to compete in a national event to swim for a mile. Swim Ireland will provide a free training programme, support, advice and motivation for all those wanting to take on the challenge.
A mile of swimming is the equivalent of a marathon in the water and is longer than any Olympic pool based race, making it the ultimate test in the sport.
Our very own Matt Cooper is an Ambassador for the event and will also be participating in the swim, determined not to be outdone by his kids in the pool:
“I can outrun my children comfortably and they couldn’t keep up with me on the bike but in the pool they leave me behind comfortably and lap me continuously. They’ve learnt how to swim properly and now train regularly and compete in galas and they have gained so much from it. I don’t think I’ll ever get up to their level but they’ve pointed out how poor my technique is and how I need to learn how to swim correctly if I’m going to get enough enjoyment from it. So this is my 2014 challenge: I’m going to learn how to swim properly and train so that I can swim a mile in any session without collapsing. Committing to this event publicly will ensure that I do it, I hope! I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to working with Last Word listeners so we can all achieve it.”
The Challenge is being made possible through The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund and the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport Programme. Last month Swim Ireland won the top award in The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund of €25,000 which has helped to make the ‘Swim for a Mile Challenge 2014’ a reality.
Swim Ireland is offering free swim training programmes available through the Swim for a Mile website and also free lane space and coaching at each of the five event locations from the start of the year right up to the event, making the challenge the perfect New Year’s fitness resolution for 2014!
Double Olympian and European medallist Melanie Nocher will be on hand to give advice and guidance to the public for the duration of the project: "I have always been passionate about swimming and showing others that you don’t have to be at an elite level to get involved. It is a unique sport in which people of all abilities and ages can get involved so Swim Ireland’s Challenge is the perfect platform to show this. I am excited about this initiative and the impact it’s going to have in terms of growing the sport and encouraging as many people to experience the benefits of swimming.”
For more information about the Swim Ireland “Swim for a Mile Challenge” log onto www.swimforamile.com.
Event Dates & Locations
- Monday 31st March - Leisureworld, Bishopstown, Cork
- Tuesday 1st April - UL Sport, Limerick
- Wednesday 2nd April - Kingfisher, NUI Galway
- Thursday 3rd April - Aurora Leisure Centre, Bangor
- Friday 4th April - National Aquatic Centre, Dublin
