Llantrisant Sharks Swimming Club marked the start of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by completing a sponsored swim the equivalent 266 km distance from Llantrisant to the Olympic Pool in London.

The highly successful and popular swimming club joined forces with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Leisure Services and the Royal Air Force to undertake the spectacular feat at Llantrisant Leisure Centre, swimming 10640 lengths of a 25m pool.

Llantrisant swimmers aged from 6 to 20, were joined by members of the RAF swim squad, as they reached the final 200 metres of their challenge on Thursday, June 7, celebrating in style exactly 50 days until the start of London 2012.

Cheered on by Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor Cllr Doug Williams and his consort, wife Carol, who were joined by Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, Leisure and Tourism at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Mr George Jones, Group Director, Environmental Services and Aquatic Development Officer Mrs Jean Davies, the swimmers completed their feat.

Corporal Gary Daniels, an ex-RAF champion swimmer who now competes in triathlons, led off with 84 of the Sharks swimmers swimming in relay to finish off the remaining distance.

Each swimmer who took part also helped raise much needed money to support Llantrisant Sharks Swimming Clubs' programme of long-term athlete development and received a commemorative towel and hat from the RAF Careers Office, where Corporal Gary Daniels now works. 

Cllr Doug Williams, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: "We are very proud of our Olympic Links, which saw us welcome the iconic Olympic Torch to our county borough in May.

"We are also one of the Councils that have been awarded an Inspire Mark for our commitment to the legacy of the Olympic Games, ensuring all residents are inspired by the global sporting spectacle and get involved themselves.

"Well done to all the swimmers for inspiring us all with their efforts."

Cllr Bevan added: "Leisure for Life is the ongoing campaign from the Council to ensure each and every resident finds a leisure activity they enjoy and that assists them to have a healthier way of life. There really is something for everyone in our Leisure Services, from modern gyms, classes, swimming, dedicated sports development and outdoor activities. 

"The sensational swimmers from Llantrisant Sharks Swimming Club have shown us just what can be achieved and have kept the Olympic and Paralympic Celebrations in Rhondda Cynon Taf alive - why don't you get involved?!" 

Keith Morgan, Head coach, from Llantrisant Sharks said: "Everyone at the club we would like to thank our guests for attending the event and so enthusiastically supporting our future Olympic talent. We are so proud of each of them for completing this challenge.

"We would especially like to thank Sergeant Steve Perham from the RAF Careers office in Cardiff and his staff for such a great donation.

"Llantrisant Sharks Swimming Club is a competitive Club that aims to provide a safe, positive and supportive environment.  Our swimmers experience training at the highest level in order to gain the confidence and skills to enable them to perform with excellence and reach their full potential, but we also realise that swimming is a life skill and delivers a new experience, training and skills through the Club."

 Sergeant Steve Perham said, "The RAF is delighted to have been able to sponsor Llantrisant Sharks Swimming Club.

"Seeing the swimmers in action tonight as they finished their challenge of swimming to the London Olympics really highlights the hard work that each swimmer must have put into their training and their clear commitment to achieving excellence. These are exactly the values that the RAF look for from its service men and women."