2023 Multiple Sclerosis Swimathon
2023 marks the 8th MS Swimathon for the North Mackay Sinkers since 2015, having missed 2017 for a State Championships. It’s our major community event and provides an opportunity for members to support the Multiple Sclerosis Qld fundraising event while participating in our favourite sporting endeavour.
This year we had 21 registered swimmers participate on Saturday October 7th at the fantastic Memorial pool in a revised 8-hour format. A total of 6 teams and 95 participants combined raising a total of $14,446. The Sinkers raised a grand total of $11,253 this year alone in an 18-week campaign. Club members filled 9 of the top 10 spots for individual fundraising reflecting the support for this event. In addition to individual fundraising efforts the Club held a Sausage sizzle and a battery drive that added handsomely to the total. To date our progressive total is $52,016 raised across all 8 years of involvement with a new Club PB reached this year. Donations remain open for another month and can be made here if people still wish to contribute.
Since the MS Swimathon commenced, various Masters clubs have participated with the Cairns Mudcrabs leading the way in 2011. Our collective efforts have raised $114,448 for Multiple Sclerosis Qld. Well done to all clubs involved.
Event locations for 2023 being Sunshine Coast (April) Townsville (May), Redcliffe (May), Central Qld (Sept), Mackay (Oct), Gold Coast (Nov) & Toowoomba (Nov). This year in addition to the Sinkers, the only other group associated with masters was the Townsville Mermaids that includes several MSQ members. It would be great to have MSQ clubs in the centres mentioned participate for these great community swimming and fundraising events.
Swimmers were kept amused by activities including guess that song, guess the movie, a floatie race, a trivia session as well as some great tunes all day. For the more determined swimmers the Hour of Power saw 8 Sinkers in a continuous 50m relay notch up 86 laps gaining 2nd place behind the Pioneer Swimming Clubs “Dolphins” on 88.
The annual MS Swimathon events are held regionally throughout Queensland giving the opportunity for further involvement by MSQ clubs that may choose to participate. They are run over a financial year with up to nine events scheduled to take place in 2024.
Our club highly recommends that MSQ clubs consider participating in what is an opportunity to be community minded in our chosen sport. Interested clubs can contact the author for more details via mobile on 0413 805 156 or email at prs.nthmkysinkers@gmail.com You can also register your interest or approach Multiple Sclerosis Qld direct at 07 3840 0812 or email swimathon@msqld.org.au.
Dan Stampa,
QNS President & MSQ VP Central
