Raising a pool of donations
The ninth annual Maccabi MS National Swimathon made a big splash for a great cause, with more than 10,000 laps swum and over $20,000 raised for MS Australia.
THE opportunity to swim for your health, with like-minded people in a fun environment – all while raising funds for charity – proved one too good to miss for hundreds of Jewish swimmers in three Australian cities late last month for the ninth annual Maccabi MS National Swimathon.
Whether it was swimming one lap or a few dozen, alone or in teams, a total of 193 people participated between 7am and 5pm at Sydney’s Moriah College pool, Melbourne’s Bialik College pool, and Perth’s Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre.
Remarkably, more than 10,000 laps were collectively swum, and more than $20,000 was raised for MS Australia, with a portion of proceeds also going to Maccabi Australia to fund sport and recreation programs.
Each year, MS Australia contributes to the care of more than 25,000 Australians living with multiple sclerosis.
A terrific turnout of 84 throughout the day at Moriah College saw 5100 laps completed, resulting in just over $10,000 raised.
Four teams participated, representing Moriah College, Emanuel School, Mount Sinai College and Maccabi.
At times, the Swimathon took on a competitive tone, with swimmers dutifully recording their laps completed and time spent in the water, while other sessions offered a festive atmosphere, with music and children’s activities.
After all the laps were counted, the Maccabi team finished on top of the tally, completing 1467 laps of the pool, which equates to a distance of 36.675km.
Maccabi NSW and Maccabi Swimming Club thanked everyone who participated, who made a donation, and who volunteered to make the event possible.
Donations can be made by visiting msmegaswim.org.au and clicking on Maccabi.
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