Local charity launches Brighton's first inclusive swim challenge, Great Lengths

The Brighton-based organisers of the event, Team Domenica, support young people with learning disabilities in reaching their full potential. Great Lengths is designed to raise the much needed funds to support their programmes and help their young people – their candidates – find paid employment across Sussex.

This pioneering local charity know that a ‘challenge’ looks different to everyone. Getting into the water could be a huge achievement, or swimming five kilometres could feel like a breeze. This is why Great Lengths isn't a competition, instead, participants can choose from a range of distances (up to an including 5k).

Team Domenica’s candidates challenge themselves almost every day in their training center on Preston Road. The charity are therefore inviting Brighton & Hove to do the same and join them in going to great lengths for young people with learning disabilities.

Greg van Heeswijk, Head of Fundraising at Team Domenica, said: “We’re so excited to be holding this exciting new swim challenge at Sea Lanes Brighton. The idea to hold a swimming event was originally inspired by so many of our candidates, staff and community who, living by the sea, naturally have a passion for swimming. The physical and health benefits are second to none, and as one of the most inclusive sports out there, it was the best possible choice for a fundraising event.

In the spirit of inclusion, we decided not to make this a competition against each other, but a personal challenge. The aim of the event – other than to have a great time - is to raise the funds that Team Domenica needs to provide young people with learning disabilities with the skills, confidence and independence they need to find paid employment. We receive less than half of our funding from the state, so we are encouraging anyone with a passion for swimming to sign up and raise the funds we need to give young people the best possible chance at reaching their full potential.”

If you’re interested in going to great lengths for local young people with learning disabilities, head to www.teamdomenica.com/greatlengths/