University launches Casual Swimming Programme
Released: Thursday 3rd May 2012 at 15:00
On the 9th May, the University of Sunderland’s Summer Swimming programme begins for all staff and students.
In partnership with Active Sunderland, ‘Get into swimming’ is the new casual swimming membership for summer 2012.
Open to all staff and students at the University, ‘Get into swimming’ offers fully co-ordinated swim sessions for the next 12 weeks at the Aquatic Centre.
Sam Brown, Sport Development Officer for the University of Sunderland Institute of Sport, said: “We are running this as a participation programme.
“The feedback from Freshers Fayres over the last few years has shown that swimming is hugely popular amongst students, and staff, at the University and this is the first step towards having a regular programme of activity.
“There is such a huge demand for swimming but we have no facilities at the University.”
The fully co-ordinated swim sessions begin on Wednesday 9th May for 12 weeks. Each session is from 1-4pm. Membership for the full 12 weeks is £14 for students and £30 for staff.
Volunteers from the University of Sunderland will be on hand throughout the 12 weeks as swim co-ordinators who will help and assist all participants, as Gina Yates explains:
“We have three swim coordinators who have all been swimmers in the past and are actively involved in the sport. They will be there to meet and greet people, assist at the poolside and generally make swimming easy for people.
“Swimming is the most requested sport at the University and although this programme is to cater for that demand, it is also for anyone interested in trying swimming or a new sport.
“If people are intimidated or unsure where to go, our volunteers will be there to help and get them from the door into the pool.”
Ashleigh Tuck, Sport Development Officer and Sunderland City Council, says: “It is a great programme which has been born from the Sportivate activity ideas. We want to work with the University to see how successful the programme can be over the summer.
“The hope is that come September and the start of the new academic year we can develop this further.”
Dean Fraser, Sports and Activities Officer, believes this is the ideal activity programme and encouraged as many people as possible to get involved.
He said: “The newly established swimming programme is great for both students and staff here at the University, providing them with pool time at the Aquatic centre.
“Whether they want that to keep fit, to compete or to just have a casual swim, this programme is a great start in the push for developing aquatic provisions within the university and it’s fantastic that we have a relationship with one of the best Aquatic centres in the country to do it in.
“The programme gives students and staff the option to take part in recreational swimming but it should also hopefully help to develop and establish a university aquatic team for the upcoming year.
‘Get into Swimming’ begins on Wednesday 9th May for 12 weeks. Sessions will be held every Wednesday from 1-4pm at the Aquatic Centre.
Membership prices are as follows:
Students £14
Staff £30
Membership includes a free City 'Life Card' and a one off FREE casual swim voucher which can be used anytime in the week.
You can sign up now at CitySpace reception where you'll be given a Life Card application form and your casual swimming membership card, you just need to take these along with you to your first session.
