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YMCA Swimathon To Save More Lives In 2013

Monday, 3rd December 2012

The YMCA is excited to announce the launch of its annual national fundraising event, the YMCA Swimathon, on Sunday 3 March, which will help people with a disability in communities across NSW learn vital swimming and water safety skills.

The announcement comes as the world also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Day of People with Disability.

The YMCA Swimathon will be held at more than 50 YMCA pools across the country between 10am-11am, including 25 pools in NSW, making it Australia’s biggest swimming event.

The YMCA is urging people in NSW to get involved to ensure people living with a disability in local communities across NSW do not miss out on the chance to learn to swim.

The event caters for all ages and swimming abilities, with a competitive category encouraging participants to nominate How Far they will swim in an hour and How Much they will raise to support this important cause.

Seven-year-old Chloe Hancock from NSW’s Hunter region has been attending the Y’s Learn-to-Swim program for people with a disability at Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre for the past five years and is a YMCA Swimathon ambassador for 2013.

In 2010, Chloe, who has Down Syndrome, was faced with a situation that could have taken her life – she jumped into the family’s pool without any supervision or her flotation device. Luckily, Chloe was able to swim to safety as a result of learning to swim.

“I have no doubt that if it wasn’t for these lessons, Chloe would no longer be with us,” said her mum, Michelle.

Phillip Hare, CEO, YMCA NSW, said while Chloe’s story ended positively, sadly there are many Australians who do not have access to swimming lessons.

“We’re challenging everyone to pledge How Far they will swim and How Much they will raise to fund vital swimming lessons for people with a disability in their local community,” he said. “At the Y, we believe there should be no barrier to anyone being able to learn to swim and feel confident in the water.

“Every dollar counts with $15 providing one Learn-to-Swim lesson for a child with a disability.”

As a national fundraiser, last year the event saw over 1,200 people participate across 69 pools and raise almost $110,000 for their local communities. This year, the YMCA wants to raise more in order to help more people. Nationally, money is also being raised to help new migrants and the financially disadvantaged learn how to swim.

Registrations are free and open now at www.ymcaswimathon.org.au or at any YMCA pool.

To read more about Chloe's story, where the money raised will go and for a list of participating pools visit www.ymcaswimathon.org.au.

-ENDS-