Lucky number swims in support of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
14th November, 2020
Norfolk and Suffolk swimmers have been going for “lucky number swims” throughout November to raise funds for charities supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Participants have been using the lucky numbers 3, 5, 7, 21 and 30 as inspiration for their swims, which were chosen by the “Romani and proud” grandmother of one of the fundraisers.
Some are doing swims on the lucky number days of the month; some are doing lucky numbers of lengths of a swim place or widths of rivers; some are doing one of the lucky numbers of dips in the month; and some are planning to do 30 dips.
Imogen Radford, the OSS Inland Access Officer, has been taking part in the swims.
“We’ve been brought together by a shared love of open water swimming and a commitment to standing up against racism,” she says. “Discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities has been called the last acceptable prejudice.
“Even people who consider themselves anti-racist don’t always realise the hurt and harm that can be caused by repeating stereotypes such as blaming the communities (without evidence) for litter or for travelling, as some have done during this busy and fraught summer.”
As the initiative enters its final week, there is still time to join in or donate. Visit the fundraising website to find out how and for links for more information about issues affecting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.