Free ‘silver swims’ for pensioners at Iffley Road

Pensioners will be offered free swimming sessions at Oxford University Sport’s Iffley Road Sports Complex for ten weeks from May.

The new Silver Swim events will take place for ten weeks from Tuesday 7 May until Tuesday 9 July in the Rosenblatt swimming pool, with pensioners offered an hour’s free swim from 2-3pm on Tuesday afternoons, followed by a free cup of tea at 3pm.

The move is part of Oxford University Sport’s commitment to engaging with the local community, following a major renovation of the complex in 2018.

Jon Roycroft, Director of Sport at the University of Oxford, said; “It is not just students who have fun and socialise at Iffley Road. The complex has long been part of the local community, and we have members of all ages. Coming along for a swim provides a great opportunity for more senior residents to get a bit of exercise and have a chat over a cup of tea in our new facilities. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the community in.”

The Iffley Road Sports Complex is Oxford University’s main sports centre, offering range of facilities including a pool, gym, fitness classes and indoor and outdoor sports pitches and courts.

In 2018 the complex underwent a major facelift, with a new café, reception area, improved changing facilities, and a state-of-the art ‘smart floor’ which allows line markings to be changed to suit the sport that is being played. Around 600 members of the public already use the facilities, along with thousands of staff and students at the university. Three local schools also use the pool free of charge for their swimming lessons, as part of the Sports Department outreach work.

Pensioners looking to take advantage of this offer should arrive at the sports complex at 2pm on the allotted days. No pre-booking is necessary.

For more information see the Oxford University Sport website. Or contact the University press office on 01865 280528 or [email protected]