A special swimathon to support people with disabilities will be held at the Whitlam Leisure Centre on Sunday, March 1.
The YMCA Swimathon aims to raise $15,000 to fund programs and equipment designed to help with accessibility.
Swimmers will take to the pool between 11am and 12pm, raising money to support people with disabilities to enjoy the water safely.
Rei Kuchar, 21, has been training for the YMCA swimathon with his father over the past few months. Born with Down Syndrome, Rei has enjoyed attending the Whitlam Leisure Centre since he was six years old, participating in swimming lessons, squads and karate.
The swimming lessons program has also helped him to achieve squad status.
“When I got to high school I was able to attend state swimming carnivals. I really enjoyed travelling to the other states with the team. It was great getting to see other cities and meeting people from other states,” Rei said.
“I still enjoy swimming. At present I participate in squad training at the Whitlam Centre. Ben (instructor) who is in charge of Rising Stars, is great and encourages me all the time.
“Swimming has been great for me. I would like to see other people with a disability have the same opportunities that I had. That is why I am taking part in the YMCA swimathon.
“Please support me in raising funds.’’
Whitlam Centre manager Joel Anderson said the swimathon would be a fun event for the whole family.
“At the YMCA, we’re committed to providing opportunities for everyone to live healthier, happier lifestyles,” Mr Anderson said.
“People with disabilities often require specially-qualified instructors or accessible facilities. But more often than not, there are not enough qualified swimming instructors, or the equipment available to easily access the water. Through the YMCA Swimathon we hope to change this.”
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said he would be supporting the swimathon
“The YMCA does wonderful work to encourage everyone in the community to be active and healthy, so I look forward to attending and supporting this event with my family,” he said.
Last year the YMCA Swimathon raised $230,000 nationally across 55 YMCA-managed pools.
“All the money raised stays in the local community to support local initiatives,” Mr Anderson said.
“You don’t even have to swim to take part! You can walk up and down the pool for an hour if you like. If you’re up for a challenge, you can set yourself a goal and see how far you can swim between. It’s always a fantastic day out for the whole family.”
The Whitlam Centre will also host a Family Fun Day from 11am to 3pm, with a barbecue, face painting, a group fitness display, free swimming lesson assessments, laser skirmish and more. The swimathon will start at 11am.
To register for the YMCA Swimathon or to find out more go to ymcaswimathon.org.au or ask in-centre.
