It will seek to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) throughout Heart Month in February 2023, and monies raised will fund vital scientific research to save and improve the lives of people affected by heart and circulatory diseases.
The aquatic-themed campaign urges swim schools and clubs to host events which are related to the theme, from babies playing and splashing to the ‘beat’, to swimmers ‘beating’ their best time or aquatic fitness classes dancing and jumping to the ‘beat’.
SPATEX is the UK’s only dedicated pool and spa show and is in its 27th year - having been held at Coventry Building Society Arena for nine years.
The three-day show, which attracts more than 100 exhibitors and over 1,400 visitors, will take place from Tuesday, January 21 to Thursday, February 2.
The STA’s team will be on the Aqua Warehouse stand throughout the day on Wednesday, February 1. Team members will be taking part in a series of sponsored aquatic exercises in a swim spa.
There is also set to be an opportunity to see STA’s Zoe Cooper, who is a member of world leading professional synchronised swimming team Aquabatix, perform in the pool.
Zoe’s team has featured in various films including The Rocket Man and The Muppets, and she was also one-quarter of Aquabatique who reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012.
Zoe Cooper, STA’s Commercial Director, said: “The idea is to get everyone together to swim or splash to the beat, have fun and raise funds for the BHF.
“From babies playing and splashing to the ‘beat’, to swimmers of all ages ‘beating’ their best times or distance in or outside of swimming lessons, to artistic swimmers, mermaids and aquatic fitness classes dancing and jumping to the ‘beat’ – everyone of any age or swimming ability can get involved.
“It’s far-reaching, reflecting STA’s portfolio of activities, which is why we think this aquatic-themed fundraising campaign is so different and unique.
“Plus, swim schools and clubs can host a ‘Swim to the Beat’ event at any time throughout February – we like the idea of Valentine’s Day, but there is no descript date, so events can be planned around their lessons and pool times.
“So far, we have more than 15,000 swimmers taking part across the UK who will be swimming to the beat to raise money for the BHF.”
Michele Bridle, event organiser of SPATEX, added: “We’re delighted to be hosting the STA for the first event of the ‘Swim to the Beat’ campaign. The campaign is for an important cause and we hope that visitors to the show will take the time to visit the Aqua Warehouse stand to find out more about how they can get involved.”
To find out more about Swim to the Beat visit https://www.sta.co.uk/
SPATEX 2023 is free to attend and visitors can register in advance at www.spatex.co.uk
