Chance to splash out for the New Year (From Western Telegraph)

Chance to splash out for the New Year

FANCY making a big splash in the New Year?

Then why not join Saundersfoots growing band of New Years Day swimmers who plan to mark the dawn of 2002 with a record-breaking dip in the briny - in aid of charity!

Hundreds of swimmers have already signed up for the spine-tingling Saundersfoot Charity Swim 2002, sponsored for the third time this year by Oakwood Park and due to take place at 11.30 am on January 1st. The event will be opened by the chairman of the Wales Tourist Board, Philip Evans, and this year will feature a charity tug-of-war between The Buccaneer in Tenby and The Hean in Saundersfoot.

Said the chairman of the Saundersfoot Festivities Association, Mr Martyn Williams: This is our 18th New Years Day charity swim and we would like it to be the best ever! It would be great to kick off the New Year with a record-breaking fundraising effort in aid of people less fortunate than ourselves - as well as curing all those New Years Eve hangovers! And as an added bonus this year, the winners of the tug-of-war will receive £100 to donate to the charity of their choice!

Last year, nearly 500 swimmers braved freezing temperatures - and a mini-marathon dash to the splash - to raise almost £10,000 for charitable causes! Many of the dippy dippers donned fancy dress costumes for the record-breaking attempt and this year it is hoped that even more swimmers will dress up to add a touch of colour and creativity to the event. Pembrokeshire swimmers were also joined by competitors from all over the country - and even abroad - and both national and local charities benefited from the money raised.

Said Mr Williams: Each year, there are medals for all the swimmers who take part, as well as individual and group awards for the highest sponsored swimmers and best fancy dress. But the most important thing is to turn up, dress up and have good fun! There are lots of high spirits - and high jinx - on the beach on the day as well as a big bonfire to warm up by afterwards. It is a lot of fun - and a lot of good comes from it. Please join us and make it a New Years Day event to remember.

To get your Saundersfoot New Years Day charity swim sponsorship form, phone Martyn Williams on 01834 813039 or pick up a form at Evans Newsagents or In-Strand in Saundersfoot.