Vale Judo Club recently participated in a sponsored swim at Catmose College Sports Centre to help support the club’s move to a new dojo as well as the youth squad’s activities in 2011.

The team of 30 judoka completed 2144 lengths, a distance of 33 miles, which is 12 greater than the English Channel swim, in just two hours.

The Rutland-based outfit, which was named the British Judo Association’s Club of the Year in October, were almost as comfortable in the pool as they are on the mat as they reeled off length after length.

Vale Judo Club’s Head Coach Mike Newton said: “I was overwhelmed by the efforts of everyone and their participation was hugely appreciated.

“We’re fortunate to have a very committed network of players, coaches and volunteers who all make such events possible.

“We’re still receiving sponsorship money which is very encouraging for our activities in 2011.”

Vale Judo Club train at 29B Pillings Road, Pillings Road Industrial Estate, Oakham, LE15 6TQ. Junior randori and fitness training takes place on Friday at 19:00 – 20:00 with the adult session following at 20:00 – 21:00. Junior and adult recreational training is held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings – more details are available at www.valejudo.org.uk