A Horsham based swimming club has enjoyed a double post Lockdown celebration.

Atlantis Swimming Club’s return to training after swimming pools reopened has coincided with the announcement of a new sponsorship agreement.

Billingshurst-based community creator Thakeham Group has confirmed a multi-year deal to sponsor the club. The agreement has helped safeguard Atlantis Swimming Club for the next couple of years.

After celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, restricted access to local swimming facilities during Lockdown has made Atlantis Swimming Club activities difficult. More than 300 members feared an uncertain future for the club.

An online appeal for funds had already helped to generate more than £8,000. Now, the confirmed sponsorship with Thakeham Group is a welcome boost in their fight for survival.

For Atlantis Swimming Club, Matthew Cumber, Chairman, said:

This has been a challenging period for everyone involved in grassroots sport. And none more so than swimming. We have been unable to meet or train for more than five months during the original lockdown and a further 4 weeks recently. So, yes, it’s been a difficult time.

After 40 years serving the Horsham swimming community, we launched an appeal for funds. People and businesses have been so generous. The sponsorship agreement with Thakeham Group is the final piece of the jigsaw. It effectively safeguards the club for years to come.

Atlantis Swimming Club offers training and competition for swimmers aged 7 and above at the Pavilions in the Park, Horsham; Billingshurst Leisure Centre; and Steyning Leisure Centre.  An experienced team of coaches deliver over 40 hours of training per week. Atlantis swimmers consistently achieve national qualifying times year on year.

New club sponsors Thakeham Group is no stranger to grassroots sport sponsorship. Thakeham has been the main sponsor of Horsham Rugby Club and Billingshurst Cricket club for many years. Thakeham is also sponsor of the Goodwood Festival of Speed family experience.

For Thakeham, Rob Boughton, CEO, said:

Grassroots sport, health and wellbeing plays an important role in any thriving community. The Atlantis Swimming Club is a great example of how everyone benefits from the mixture of healthy competition and social fitness. Swimming is the largest indoor participation sport in the UK and Atlantis Swimming Club’s ethos of team and individual achievement is a perfect match with Thakeham

Now that restrictions have been lifted, we look forward to Atlantis Swimming Club inspiring club members old and new to create many sporting memories for years to come.