Ready to swim

By Bridget Cook
THE City of Casey will host an MS 24 Hour Mega Swim, after the council agreed to provide support to the event last week.
Last week’s council meeting passed a recommendation to provide support to MS Australia by allowing the use of the Casey ARC for the event. The council also agreed to cover the $1145 cost of the event.
The MS 24 Hour Mega Swim is one of the fastest growing community fundraising events in Australia.
For the event, teams of up to 15 people swim laps over a 24-hour period, with each team required to have a swimmer in the water at all times.
Money is raised through sponsorship, with each team required to get people and businesses to sponsor them.
All money raised goes into MS Australia’s Go for Gold scholarships and financial assistance program.
Development manager for the event Mark Sims said the council’s support was great news.
“All money raised goes towards the Go for Gold scholarships and financial assistance program … that’s why we do it,” he said. “The event also promotes great health and wellbeing and better community understanding of MS.”
Mr Sims said the event had grown considerably since it was launched 10 years ago.
“The Fitzroy swim attracted 500 participants and raised more than $270,000 this year,” he said. “Inaugural events – they usually raise about $30,000.”
Mr Sims said it was a great event for everyone to get involved with.
“We see corporate, school and swimming groups and people who have a connection to MS take part,” he said. And it’s not unusual to see children and grandparents take part.”
He said one lane was dedicated to people with disabilities.
City of Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford, who originally brought the proposal to council, said the event was a win for both her and the community.
“It’s a great event for community engagement as well as for raising funds for a worthwhile cause,” Cr Wreford said.
“With the Mega Swim, the funds raised go back to people suffering from MS in Casey, and if not in the south-east region.
“The event is great for people who have MS, great for the community and great for people who like to swim, as they can take part and raise money.
“The event fits in nicely with the type of thing the council should be supporting.”
The council, the YMCA and MS Australia will soon discuss when the event will be held.
People can make an inquiry or registration by calling 9845 2966.