Swim businesses offer support during Covid-19 crisis

Despite the significant financial impact Covid-19 is having on business as usual, it hasn’t stopped some swimming businesses stepping in to support the crisis in a variety of ways.

During the peak of Italy’s Coronavirus emergency, Decathlon stepped in to convert snorkelling masks into ventilators.

The sports retailer worked with Italian research institute in redesigning its line of Easybreath underwater masks to be used as emergency ventilator masks in hospitals, the institute then passed this information onto other countries who could take similar action.

Meanwhile in the UK, the team at Swimovate put their resources to use and printed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with their 3D printer. As well as making face shields the Managing Director Lisa Irlam has used her sewing skills to make scrubs for her local NHS.

Swimwear brand Deakin and Blue launched their Spring/Summer range, despite the lockdown. They launched the new product range in the spirit of hope – for happier, healthier and sunny days ahead and have offered 10% of all profits from the collection to be donated to the NHS.

“I never imagined we would launch our latest swimwear collection during a global lockdown,” says Founder Rosie Cook. “However, whilst there are uncertain days ahead, there is a lot to be hopeful about: the power of community, the return to core human values and the selflessness of

everyday heroes.”

With so many mass-participation events being cancelled, including the London Marathon, the pandemic is having a catastrophic effect on UK charities.

Charities depend on income from participant fundraising at events, with so many being cancelled or postponed it has meant an estimated £4 billion loss for the sector.

In response, the UK’s mass participation sports industry have joined together to create the 2.6 Challenge, a nationwide fundraising campaign to save the UK’s charities.

It asks people to dream up an activity based on the number 2.6 or 26, referencing the day that the London Marathon should have taken place in April, and then fundraise or donate to a UK charity.

It could be 26 press ups or 26 minute walk as long as it follows the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing. For more info or to sign-up visit: www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk