The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, is starting the New Year with a new challenge as she begins swimming lessons at the newly refurbished City Baths.
Mayor Logue is hoping her efforts will help raise some much needed funds for her two chosen charities the Foyle Hospice and the Ryan McBride Foundation.
The Mayor will learn to swim under the expert guidance of Council leisure instructors and she will be joined by her husband James, who will also take up the challenge to provide a bit of moral support.
The intensive programme will commence at the start of February and Cllr Logue will provide regular updates of her progress on social media.
Once she finishes the course, Mayor Logue will take on a swimming challenge to really put her skills to the test!
Looking ahead to the lessons she said: “I have always been a bit nervous of the water, but I have never properly learned how to swim and I thought it would be a great incentive to take the plunge if I could raise some money for my two chosen charities along the way.
“Learning to swim is an important skill for everyone, and I will have the very best guidance from the experts here in Council’s Leisure team.
“I am delighted that my husband James will be joining me as well for some extra encouragement.
“It’s a great opportunity to try out the refurbished facilities at the City Baths which are also the home to the City of Derry Swimming Club.
“If anyone sees me at the pool I would really appreciate your support and no splashing! I hope to take on a swimming challenge at the end of the programme – more details to be revealed.”
Leisure Area Manager of the City Baths, Cathy Farren, said: “We look forward to welcoming the Mayor to the City Baths where she is in very safe hands with our swimming instructors.
“It’s a fantastic way to encourage others to take the plunge, and to reinforce the message that people of all ages and abilities can learn to swim.
“We provide an excellent Learn to Swim Programme across all our sites and this will be great opportunity for the Mayor and for her nominated charities.”
You can make a donation in support of the Mayor’s campaign at www.derrystrabane.com/about-council/mayor/mayor-s-charity
To find out more about Council’s Learn to Swim Programme go to: www.derrystrabane.com/services/leisure/other-services/learn-to-swim
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