Swimming for the Future:
Clare Griffin Takes on Ultra Swim 33.3 to Support West Wight Sports and Community Centre.
Clare Griffin, Manager of West Wight Sports and Community Centre (WWSCC), is taking on a remarkable personal and fundraising challenge this year. She is swimming 33.3km – the equivalent of crossing the English Channel—as part of the Ultra Swim 33.3 in Montenegro this October.
The event, which covers the full distance between October 3rd and 6th, includes individual swims as long as 10km—effectively an aquatic marathon. Clare expects the 10km stage alone to take her around 3 ½ hours. It’s a demanding test of endurance, determination, and training. Clare is rising to the challenge with inspiring commitment.
To support Clare’s swim and the future of WWSCC, click below
Training so far …
As part of her preparations, Clare is swimming up to 20km a week in the pool and sea, as well as building strength in the gym under WWSCC Fitness Manager, Shannon Kilcullen’s watchful eye. She has already taken part in a sponsored “Round the Island” swim (in the pool!) organised by Yarmouth Sailing Club in March and the Sandown to Shanklin Per to Peir Race on August 9th (finishing 31st our of 177 swimmers). Clare says, “The training is the biggest part of the challenge. The time and energy required is extremely demanding and of course I must make it work round a full-time job, family and other commitments. If you catch me asleep in a quiet corner of the sports centre – you’ll know why!”
But Clare’s not just swimming for herself—she’s swimming for her community.
The reasoning behind this challenge …
“WWSCC has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Clare says. “The work our incredible team of staff and volunteers does is more vital now than ever before. As the pool approaches its 50th anniversary, I feel incredibly proud to have been part of its journey—from learning to swim and competing here and being there on the day Lord Mountbatten turned on the tap 47 years ago, to now having the honour of leading this brilliant team.”
The funds raised through Clare’s challenge will support the Centre’s vital role in the West Wight community—not only preserving the pool but ensuring a future of thriving sport, wellness, and social connection.
“Looking ahead, we’re planning for the next 50 years. We want to make sure future generations continue to benefit from the pool and the wider sports and community facilities we offer. Together, with your support, we can secure a vibrant and active future for our community.”