Viking Support for Sea Invasion!

Viking Office Systems become the official sponsors of the 2010 Queenie Festival open water swimming event.

If you fancy trying out open water swimming, the best opportunity this summer will be during the 2010 Queenie Festival (9th – 11th July).

On Saturday 10th July, adventurous swimmers will be taking to the waters off Port St Mary to tackle the ‘Manx Mile’ challenge.

Sponsoring the event is Viking Office Systems, the St Johns-based company which specialises in document management.

The swim is just one of the highlights of the second annual Queenie Festival, a community ‘Celebration of the Sea’ centred in Port St Mary and Port Erin.

Stan Keig, Managing Director of Viking Office Systems, explains why he decided to sponsor the Manx Mile: “I went to last year’s Queenie Festival and thought it was fantastic. Our whole family had a wonderful time. I said to (organiser) Tim Croft at the time that next year, I would support it properly.

“I was brought up in Port St Mary and used to swim across the bay, so the Manx Mile event really appeals to me personally, too.”

Organising the Manx Mile is Mark Gorry from the Isle of Man Open Water Swimming Club. Last year, Mark devised the ‘Scallop Shell Swims’ for the Queenie Festival, a series of fun, competitive swims for youngsters and adults in Gansey, Port St Mary and Port Erin Bays.

The popularity of those swims, which attracted entrants of all ages and abilities, spurred Mark on to create a new event for 2010.

This time, entrants will start at 2.30pm from Port St Mary inner harbour and follow a triangular course, which takes in Chapel Bay, before returning to the starting point. There will be classes for junior/inexperienced and senior/experienced swimmers, and participants may wear either wetsuits or swimsuits.

Stan has confirmed that as well as sponsoring the event, he will be taking part, along with his 9 year old daughter Elina, and father and daughter are currently training in the Western Swimming Pool. Stan is undeterred by the fact that the sea temperature, even in July, will be many degrees cooler than the pool, and says he will brave the sea without a wetsuit!

Viking Office Systems, established in 1994, has a long tradition of supporting events and causes in the community. The company has sponsored Douglas, Vagabonds and St Johns Rugby Clubs, as well as charities such as the Western Live at Home Scheme.

If you would like to find out more about the Manx Mile, contact Mark Gorry on (07624) 430631 or email markgorry@hotmail.com.

For more information about the 2010 Queenie Festival, visit www.queeniefestival.com. If you are interested in sponsorship, simply contact Tim Croft on (01624) 843394.