Ever wonder what type of effort would be required to swim 1 km? How about 2 km? What kind of shape would you need to be in? Now think swimming 5 km and doing it in two hours or less. Now that’s a challenge that requires extraordinary fitness and determination!
Most of us can’t imagine completing such a feat, but on May 8 the members of the Sharks from the Comox Valley Aquatic Club did just that as a part of their annual Swim-a-thon fundraiser. Each year the Sharks participate in the Canada-wide swim-a-thon in order to raise funds for their club’s programS by swimming 5 km or for two hours – whichever comes first.
Kids as young as nine participated and had the thrill and self-satisfaction of accomplishing this incredible goal. As part of their incentive they not only had the finish line at the end of the pool to keep them going but also the chance to have their name drawn for a brand new mountain bike that was generously donated by Simon’s Cycles.
It takes an enormous effort on the behalf of many supporters and “honorary Sharks” within the community to put on an event like this and the club is extremely grateful to the dedication and interest that Simon’s Cycles took in our swim-a-thon this year.
The swim-a-thon came on the heels of their community Tag Day earlier in the spring when the kids were at stores and malls throughout the Comox Valley to raise funds not only for their own club but to help other kids throughout our country by raising funds for Kid Sport Canada – a charity that helps overcome financial barriers that exist in families so that all kids have the opportunity to participate in organized sport and experience the benefits of active living. This year the club raised $330 for KidsSport Canada. Way to go Sharks!
The Shark swim program is run by the Comox Valley Aquatic Club under the direction of head coach Albert Burgund and is designed to teach the basic strokes of competitive swimming at the youngest ages in the “Shark School Program” and then to develop on these foundational building blocks over the over the years in the upper levels.
They also run a Masters Swim Program for adults who are keen on fitness, competition and triathalon training. If you are interested in finding out more about our programs or in becoming an “Honorary Shark Community Supporter” contact Burgund by e-mail coachalbert@shaw.ca or by phone at 250-871-5927 or visit our website www.sharks.bc.ca.