23/04/2012 - Permalink

Free swimming in the run up to the Olympics

Related topics: Community

Shropshire Council is offering residents the chance to swim for free in the run up to the Olympics. 

This fantastic offer means that residents will be able to swim for free in all Shropshire Council directly-managed pools during public sessions. 

On Tuesdays people will be able to swim for free at Oswestry Leisure Centre, Whitchurch Swimming Centre, Market Drayton Swimming Centre*, The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre.  And on Wednesdays at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre from 2 May 2012 until 27 June 2012. 

The council is also offering residents free fitness suite inductions between 1 May 2012 and 30 June 2012 at all facilities operating fitness suites.  These include Oswestry Leisure Centre, The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury, Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Bridgnorth Leisure Centre, Lakelands Sports Centre in Ellesmere, Thomas Adams Sports Centre in Wem, Whitchurch Leisure Centre, Idsall Sports Centre in Shifnal, London Road Sports Centre in Shrewsbury, and Shrewsbury Sports Village. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for active and healthy lifestyles, said:

“We understand that price can be a barrier; therefore we are offering a fantastic opportunity for people to have fun and keep fit in the run up to the Olympics for free. 

“Although a great offer, there will be no additional cost to us as the centres are already open and staffed – there will hopefully be lots of people having fun in the pool and gym!” 

In addition to this, the council has signed up their swimming pools to take part in the British Gas Free Swim promotion: British Gas are supporting swimming at all levels in the lead up to the Olympics.  This promotion allows one adult and two children to swim for free on any day (subject to timetabling) on two occasions up to the end of June 2012.  Not only will this increase participation, but also raise awareness of the leisure centres and what is on offer. 

It is easy for people to take part – they simply need to visit www.britishgasswimming.co.uk and follow the online instructions, and vouchers will be sent to them directly. 

To find out more about these amazing offers, people can call their local leisure centre or visit shropshire.gov.uk.

*Please note that Market Drayton Swimming Centre is currently closed for essential repairs and is due to reopen at the end of May 2012.