BOLTON Metro Swim Squad has started the celebrations ahead of the forthcoming Rio Olympics by swimming all the way to Brazil.

Over the past few weeks the swimmers have been monitored and their swimming distances measured.

The distance to Rio required the squad to swim 9,341,000 metres.

The squad “arrived in Brazil” thanks to a concentrated effort by more than 50 swimmers at Horwich Pool.

The combined distance was reached by all four squads – performance, academy, junior and even the youngest development swimmers – at training, gala competitions and at their club training sessions.

BMSS coach Mike Robinson said: “This was a great achievement and enabled us to have focus during our training sessions ahead of the most important part of the year as our swimmers are about to compete in the North West Regional Championships, English and British Championships.

"This final event consisted of a series of 50 sprints in all strokes, including 50 metres underwater and was intended to be something of a fun event after everyone’s hard work."

The event was arranged to provide much-needed funding for the squad, one of only a handful of parent-funded performance squads in the country.

Steve Howell, chairman of the squad, added: “Thanks must go to all the swimmers for their efforts, but importantly to all parents, families and friends who sponsored our swimmers.

"This was an opportunity to reach out to the wider community for some financial assistance, and we would be delighted to speak to any local businesses who may want to get involved in this highly motivated and talented squad of swimmers.”

If you would like to help the squad, or add to the sponsorship raised through the marathon effort, email Mr Howell at bmss.chair@outlook.com