Thousands of Speedo swimmers, including 14-time Olympic champion, Michael Phelps, have helped combat the spread of malaria in Africa by teaming up to raise an astonishing 193,647USD as part of World Swim Against Malaria on June 25, 2010.

Phelps and fellow Olympic Gold medallist Rebecca Adlington were among the 9,917 athletes, staff and friends of the world’s leading swimwear brand who took to the pool to raise money to purchase vital bed nets offering defence against malaria-carrying mosquitoes, ensuring that 76,322 children will be protected from what remains one of the world’s most deadly diseases.

As well as raising much needed funds for World Swim Against Malaria, the efforts of Speedo swimmers also amounted to a total distance of over 40,074km - the equivalent total distance of a round the world swim.

Speedo’s introduction of an innovative donation system which allowed sponsors to claim swimwear items for every 5USD donated proved popular as thousands of swimmers took their pick from the stylish selection of designs on offer. The men’s Marine 24” Aquashort proved particularly popular, with many sporting their new swimwear as they took to the pool. For those who have not yet registered their donations, the swimwear offer remains open!

Although curable, malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, killing up to three million people each year. 90% of these cases are in Africa, with 70% of victims children under five years old. That’s the equivalent of one child dying every 30 seconds - or seven jumbo jets filled with children dying every day.

In order to combat the disease, the Against Malaria Foundation uses 100% of proceeds from World Swim Against Malaria to purchase bed nets which provide a cheap and highly effective protection against the spread of malaria.

To find out more information about World Swim Against Malaria and how to get involved visit the website: http://www.worldswimagainstmalaria.com/speedo.