Tim Patton, Dan Stampa, Jane Conlon, Nigel Dalton & Allison Friswell
Posted on Tuesday 26th May, 2020

MS Swimathon Roundup 2019-2020

Masters Swimming Qld & Multiple Sclerosis Qld share the acronym of MSQ but we have far more in common than that!

In about 2011 the Cairns Mudcrabs participated in what was most likely the first MS Swimathon followed by other clubs as this fantastic swim opportunity gathered more support as word spread.

This annual event presents Masters Swimmers with an opportunity to have a great day out with fellow club members, build some endurance swims into the day and raise much-needed funds for this worthwhile cause. Each financial year swims are held all over Queensland. In the 2019-20 year 10 swims were scheduled for the Gold Coast, Sunshine coast, Redcliffe, Toowoomba, Mt Gravatt, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairns & Townsville. Covid- 19 intervened and the final three were cancelled but not before significant funds were raised for MS which after all is the aim of the game!

This year the Gladstone Gropers registered their club for the first time in a novel simultaneous “competitive” swimathon with Rockhampton raising the regional town’s rivalry a notch. I believe Rockhampton completed the most laps – maybe next year Gladstone.

Collectively the teams managed to raise a total of some $11,572 for the 2019 – 20 swimathon series. That brings the running total for Masters swims over all years to an impressive $70,782 of funds raised for the Multiple sclerosis cause. Both Cairns & Mackay clubs were successful in raising the most funds in their respective “Virtual” MS Swimathon.

In addition to the Cairns & Mackay Clubs the Townsville Mermaids (a mixed bag of dedicated swimmers!), Gladstone Gropers, Miami Masters & Friends of Thomas rounded out the Fabulous Five.

Would the participating Masters clubs like to introduce some friendly rivalry across the state with a Most Laps & hour of power record by a masters club? Let me know and I will happily organise this!

I would encourage any masters club to consider participating in what is an opportunity to be community minded in our chosen sport. Interested clubs can contact the author for more details, register their interest or approach Multiple Sclerosis Qld direct at 07 3840 0812 or email swimathon@msqld.org.au

You can always follow the link for details at MS Swimathon Info

Daniel Stampa, QNS North Mackay Sinkers.

  • Steve Burchill, Jane Conlon, Jim Ford, Margaret Kennedy, Sue Willett & Jeanette Farugia
  • Rik de Meer, Brendan Day, Wendy Keogh, Geoff Hamilton
  • Dan Stampa, Brendan Day, Wendy Keogh, Rik de Meer, Geoff Hamilton