Swimmers lap it up

Raven, from Narre Warren South, does her bit in the MS Mega Swim.

By BRIDGET COOK

THE feeling was electric at Casey RACE over the weekend and more than 100 swimmers made a splash to help make a difference to lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The 24-hour MS Mega Swim challenge took place at the Cranbourne pool, kicking off on Saturday with much hype.
Seven teams made up by the 102 swimmers who took part, ensured one person was in the pool at all times for 24 hours to raise money for MS Australia.
The teams swam a total of 539.1 kilmetres combined over the 24 hours and managed to raise a total of $15,215 so far, which will go towards supporting the MS Go For Gold Scholarship program and services that benefit people living with MS.
The winning team, awarded on fundraising and laps swam, went to the Electric Eels for raising $5268 and swimming 90 kilometres.
Team captain Fiona Stewart led the way to become the highest individual fundraiser for the event, while Josh Hutchins, 11, was awarded the Youth Award for his enthusiasm in and out of the pool.
This year the best dressed competition was fiercely competitive with Kings Crushers, Kings Creatures and Electric Eels parading. The judge’s decision went to the sea of green, the Kings Crushers, that blew the judges away with their colour, creativity and enthusiasm.
Josie Molloy, from MS Australia, said there was a great feeling at the pool over the course of the event.
“The comradeship between teams was inspiring as teams rallied together to support the Kiwanis MS Mega Stars overnight,” she said.
“Swimmers from YMCA Casey RACE team jumped in to support.
“Tunes throughout the event keep the positive vibe throughout the night and into Sunday morning.”
Ms Molloy said there were a lot of inspiring swimmers, particularly Rhonda Spiteri, from Belgrave, who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 20.
“She joined the Kiwanis team to make it her fifth MS 24 Hour Mega Swim this year and clocking up 54 kilometres for the year, vowing to make it to the Monbulk MS 24 Hour Mega Swim in October,” she said.
“Rhonda’s journey has been inspired by her son Tim Spiteri who is currently rowing the Indian Ocean to raise money for people like his mother living with MS.”
The event was supported by Kiwanis of Berwick, City of the Casey, YMCA Casey RACE and MS Australia.
Donations will be open until the end of the month and can be made by visiting www.msmegaswim.org.au .