I have just returned from the YMCA Swimathon event at the Batemans Bay Aquatic Centre. I think I was either the only one, or one of a very few people, to take advantage of a “Chance for Eurobodalla to make a giant splash for disability” (Independent 2nd March) in this shire which prides itself on its policies of “disability inclusion”!
Participation was not onerous – people were invited to “swim, kick, paddle or donate”. I believe that in other communities clubs, schools, and other organisations formed teams and raised substantial amounts of money.
By running this Australia wide event the YMCA was aiming to inspire “confidence, empowerment and independence” which are often “flow on effects from the specialised swimming and water safety lessons for people with disability”.
The Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee has been working for a number of years to secure a year round swimming and hydrotherapy centre for a large percentage of the population, including the disabled.
I can only assume that the other community minded citizens were busy “Cleaning up Australia”, a massive operation which would not be necessary if people disposed of their rubbish responsibly!
Thank you to all those who supported me in my Swimathon campaign, enabling me to donate over $150 to this very worthwhile cause.
Jennie Hapgood.
Batemans Bay.
Above: "What if there was a YMCA Swimathon event at the Batemans Bay Aquatic Centre and only one person came ?"
