Local swimmers go to great lengths to support Aware

THE excellent facilities at Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre (PSLC) were put to good use recently for a charity fundraiser which benefited a very worthy cause. 

Tara Manning and Patrick Clarke organised a 10-week training programme for people to learn to Swim a Mile to raise funds for the charity Aware. 

A mile is 64 lengths of Portmarnock Swimming Pool and there was a very positive reaction locally to the event.  

Everyone involved in the challenge volunteered their time, energy and enthusiasm for free.

Coaching was provided prior to the ‘big splash’ for those swimmers who wished to avail of it. 

Gerry O’Brien, from Aware, visited Portmarnock to oversee the whole event and was part of the awards ceremony.

The participants were delighted with their achievement and after swimming the 64 lengths they received a Certificate of Completion.

With great help from management and staff at Portmarnock Sports & Leisure Centre, the grand total of €6,200 was raised and donated to Aware, a charity which provides support for people experiencing depression.

This was a fantastic community event and a great day was had by all those who togged out!

Meanwhile, the PSLC, located on Blackwood Lane, continues to be an important hub for sports activity in the area as well as being a prime entertainment venue.

Over many years, the PSLC has prided itself on creating a friendly atmosphere with a warm welcome for all members and visitors. 

As well as the swimming pool, the facilities include an indoor sports hall, gym, squash courts, tennis, soccer, and on the entertainment side, spacious and well laid out function rooms to cater for special events taking place in the area. The PSLC is also used by a wide range of clubs in the area and is an integral part of community life.