Bonnie the seal returns for Euro Swim 2019

Taking place between 4-8 December 2019, spectators will watch as European champions are crowned over five days of rip-roaring action in Glasgow, with swimmers competing in 40 short course events. Held every two years, the championships will take on further importance in 2019, as it will mark the the event’s 20^th edition.

Following on from her great success at last year’s European Championships, Bonnie will make a spectacular return to Glasgow to help cheer on all the competitors who will take to the pool at the city’s Tollcross International Swimming Centre for five days in December 2019.  

Bonnie the Seal was unveiled today at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre during the 5^th Annual Glasgow Primary Schools Swimming Gala.  Bonnie met as many of the children participating in the Gala as she could and the excitement was high from the children in attendance.

With tickets now on sale for Glasgow 2019, it was clear that Official Ambassador Hannah Miley or ‘Smiley Miley’, as she is affectionately known, was excited about the prospect of Bonnie making her return to Glasgow.

Hannah Miley said: “I’m so excited that Bonnie is joining me for LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships for 2019, competing in front of a home crowd is such a special experience so I’m glad Bonnie is back in Glasgow! I’m really excited that Scotland has the opportunity to host another major international sporting event and I think as a nation we’ve shown over the last few years that we can put on a great show and I can’t wait for December.”

Short course swimming is a fast-paced event and is guaranteed to have crowds energised from start to finish. Races are competed in a 25m pool, requiring swimmers to complete more turns, so crowds will see competitive, adrenaline-fuelled races – setting up this event as one of the most exciting of the year.

Billy Garrett, Director of Sport and Events at Glasgow Life, said: “We are delighted to announce Bonnie the Seal as Official Mascot for the 20^th edition of the LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships today. Bonnie was such a brilliant mascot for the city in 2018 and we’re sure she’ll do another great job this year as some of the top European athletes from around the world compete at Tollcross in December. With Hannah Miley as Official Ambassador, Bonnie as our Mascot and five days of first-class races, the countdown is now on for a truly unmissable event!”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “It is great to have Bonnie the Seal back for the LEN European Short Course Championships for Glasgow 2019 after her hugely popular turn at last year’s Glasgow 2018 European Championships. She is a great addition to the Championships team and will be sure to keep the crowds entertained over the five days of fantastic swimming action.

“Events play a key role in our visitor economy and the LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships will round off a stellar year of major events for the country; reinforcing Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage for events.”