A SWIMMING club has launched a fundraising page after a period of Covid-related financial hardship.
Salisbury Stingrays, based Five Rivers Leisure Centre, dates back to 1889 when swimmers swam in the local river.
It offers swimming lessons and competitive swimming squads which cater for swimmers of all abilities - from learning to swim to county, regional and national levels.
The pandemic meant that the club lost income from not running its annual swim meet and also from reduced membership fees. It also needs to cover the costs of overheads, such as pool hire and insurance, and regular staffing costs.
The club has set an "ambitious target" of raising £5000 in the next five weeks (by August 4), and that if the club can raise £3,000, then Sport England will give them a further £2,000.
Among other things, the money will also be spent on a special swim School badge scheme, and new equipment such as new-style starting blocks.
The club said: "Salisbury Stingrays is an important part of our local community. We believe everybody should have the opportunity to learn to swim and we keep our swimming lesson fees as low as possible so swimming is accessible to all.
"As a club, we recognise the impact of giving young people in particular the opportunity to develop, excel and find life-long enjoyment in sport; not only through participation, but through team spirit and friendship."
To donate, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/support-salisbury-stingrays-swimming-club.
For more information, contact info@salisburystingrays.co.uk or go to salisburystingrays.co.uk.
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