Islanders Prepare To Take The Plunge In Sandown For Pier2Pier Swim

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Friday, 30 July 2021 06:00

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

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50 swimmers from the Isle of Wight will be taking on the 69th Pier2Pier Swim Challenge next month (August).

150 swimmers entered the 1.8 mile swim from Sandown Pier to the beach by the Shanklin/Sandown Rowing Club.

Among the Island entries is Millie Williams, one of 3 swimmers in the under 21 category - she is a triathlete and has qualified for the GB Team World Sprint Triathlon Championships.

Millie's mum, Hayley Malackey said:

"When I swam the event we had to start by jumping off the Pier!!!. This Sea swim will certainly challenge Millie, but it is a great event".

Also from the Island are Victoria Thorneton-Fieldand and Sandy Ciccognani who are well known for their enthusiasm for getting people swimming in the Sea.

They have founded the Swim the Wight Community Interest Co which aims to encourage people with 'well being' problems to benefit from Sea swimming.

As Isle of Wight Radio exclusively reported, Shanklin's Peter Clark is taking on the challenge for The Elizabeth Foundation, and it will be the first time he has swum in the sea!

Bob Cooper, Safety Officer for the IOW Marlins Swim Club said:

"Having had to cancel last years event due to covid is so encouraging that nearly all of those who entered last year have stayed with us and are coming over to the Island to holiday and incorperate this event. The Marlins give donations to the Organisations and Charities that enable us to continue organising the event and we encourage the swimmers to raise funds for their own charities.

"Safety is our priority and we thank the Sandown/Shanklin and Ryde Lifeboats, the Shanklin Deep Seea Fishermen and the numerous kayakers/canoeists and paddleboarders who support the swimmers. We would still welcome further kayakers ect to assist. The swim starts at Noon and the fist arrivals at Shanklin will be 20/25 mins later. Spectators are welcome."

The event starts at midday on Saturday 7.

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