By Ronald Coleman
WORLD champion long distance swimmer Chloe McCardel (pictured) is urging swimmers to support Rotary’s Jalna Big Bay Swim – from Port Melbourne to Williamstown – on Sunday, February 28.
The annual 3.2km swim is run by volunteers from Williamstown’s Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand, with support from the Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club. It raises money for the Challenge support group for Kids with Cancer and youth leadership programs for kids at risk, run by the Les Twentyman Youth Fund.
Open water swimmers can win cash, spot prizes and bragging rights for swimming in the only event that crosses the Bay and is open to everyone.
Chloe McCardel, Big Bay Swim ambassador for the third time, is overcoming niggling injuries after becoming the fourth person in the world to do a non-stop triple crossing of the English Channel. She holds the world record for longest unassisted swim – 124.4km in 41hrs, 21 mins – in The Bahamas in 2014.
“I love talking to other swimmers about open water swimming, so please say hello and see me for a chat before or after the swim,” she said.
This year’s swim starts from 10am at Sandridge beach, finishing at the boat ramp at Pelicans Landing restaurant, Williamstown. A community festival on Commonwealth Reserve will follow from midday, with live music, health and wellbeing stalls, kids’ rides, sponsors’ marquees and tastings of Jalna yoghurt.
Sponsorships and market stalls are still available for the big community day. Inquiries: Stephen Los at Trade Creative, 0478 221 812
Swimmers can register at bigbayswim.com.au or contact event controller Mario Vella, 0418 326 610.
