By BRIDGET COOK
THE community has dived deep into their pockets, and the pool to raise awareness and money for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ten teams, made up of 137 swimmers, took part in the 2013 Casey MS 24 Hour Mega Swim over the weekend at Casey RACE.
The event raised a total of $15,224, which will go to the Go for Gold Scholarship Program that grants people living with MS the opportunity to fulfil their potential in life including pursuing opportunities in employment, sport, travel, education and the arts.
Teams of up to 15 people had to have one person swimming in the pool at all times during the 24 hour event and all participants swam a combined 755 kilometres – the equivalent of swimming from Casey to Adelaide.
The winning team was Kings Kreatures, who swam a total of 86.9kilometres and raised $4170.
One of the Kings Kreatures’ team members, Narre Warren resident Ashlee Crisp, was also the highest individual fundraiser for the second year in a row with $1200 raised.
The Youth Award went to Emma Oorloff from team Swimfinity, which also took out the Best Dressed Team honour.
The 100 metre Casey Funky Trunks Sprint Champion was won by Robbe Dilissen, from team Swimfinity.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon spoke at the start of the event and wished the teams all the best for their swim.
“Living with MS is a 24 hour, seven-day-a-week challenge,” she said.
“This 24 Hour Mega Swim is a feat of endurance that gives us a small taste of the challenge faced by people living with MS.
“This event isn’t about being the best swimmer.
“You don’t have to have perfect technique or be the fastest in the pool.
“As a team you will conquer the challenge.
“That’s what this event is all about, getting involved in the community and working together to conquer the challenge that is MS.”
