Suffolk’s own superstar soprano singer Laura Wright is encouraging others to join her in one of East Anglia’s most popular sporting events, the Great East Swim, which takes place at Alton Water in Holbrook near Ipswich on 20th June. Laura, who is an accomplished sportswoman as well as one of the greatest classical singers of the decade, will be singing at the mass participation event, which attracts over 2,000 entrants, as well as swimming a one-mile open water course.
Laura, who is a familiar face at worldwide sporting events, has a combined love of sports and classical music and it was also announced today that she is a new national ambassador for SportsAid, one of Great East Swim’s official charity partners. She will be putting her name to the ‘Laura Wright SportsAid Awards’, which will give financial support to up and coming young athletes from Suffolk.
Laura Wright said: “I’m really excited, although a little nervous, about taking part in this year’s Great East Swim. It promises to be a fantastic experience that I am really looking forward to. I really do hope that by taking on the Swim I can highlight the fantastic work that SportsAid does. I am particularly honoured to be an ambassador for SportsAid and join Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge in helping to shine a light on the achievements and potential of young athletes throughout the UK. ”
At the launch event, which took place at Alton Water, Laura was joined by three young para-athlete swimmers who are in training to participate in the half-mile at the Great East Swim.
Tim Lawler, SportsAid chief executive, said: “We’re excited to welcome Laura as our latest ambassador for young athletes and thrilled that she will be taking part in the Great East Swim on our behalf. The athletes who are helped by SportsAid make daily sacrifices and rarely get the recognition they deserve but, with Laura’s help, we can keep the spotlight on their incredible achievements and give them the confidence that they are on the right track.”
The Great East Swim is delivered in partnership with Suffolk County Council as part of Suffolk’s ‘Most Active County’ aspirations, with the aim of increasing sport and physical activity levels in the county.
Councillor Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “It is great to see some home grown talent advocate such an event here in Suffolk. The Great East Swim has long been an event which is extremely well attended and well participated in – I am sure that having Laura Wright launch and take part in the swim will inspire others to do the same this year and in years to come.
“I look forward to seeing the array of people taking the plunge this year and challenging themselves in this esteemed event, this activity is a fantastic opportunity for those from a wide range of ages and backgrounds to get active and have fun; assisting heavily in our bid to become the most active county in England. I would encourage anyone inspired to take on a challenge this year to sign up.”
Last year over two-thousand swimmers of all abilities took part in the Great East Swim, which is one of five mass-participation open water swims in the Great Swim Series across the UK. Entries are now open and early registration is recommended, as entries will close once a category reaches capacity.
There’s a choice of one mile, two mile or five kilometre distances for anyone aged 16 and over, or a half mile course for younger swimmers and those looking for an introduction to open water swimming. Entry is either as an individual or as a team with friends, colleagues or family members. Teams must include between four and eight swimmers.
The Great East Swim is also an enjoyable day out for supporters, who this year will be able to enjoy a soprano performance by Laura Wright. There’s also a wide choice of food stalls, local produce and crafts in the farmer’s market, which runs alongside the event.