SCORES of swimmers are set to take to the water at Pyramid Hill this Sunday in a bid to raise funds for the town pool's 50th birthday celebrations.
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Nearly 70 swimmers will take the plunge to see how many laps they can swim in two-hours.
Emily Stewart, part of the event organising committee, said eight teams of six had signed on to participate in the main 33-metre pool, with three teams of six to swim in the junior pool.
She said the committee had been buoyed by the response of swimmers and sponsors.
Ms Stewart said the pool had benefited from significant works in recent years and would be looking a treat come the 50th birthday celebrations in December.
“We had new foundations laid at the start of this pool season,” she said.
“We have a red plexipave between our three pools and a range of new equipment.
“We also had a new toilet block put in after the floods (in 2011), they’re still spiffy.
“And we also have an electronic fish in the baby pool.”
It is hoped the swimathon will raise at least $2000 through individual and team sponsorships and raffles held on the day.
“Every swimmer is getting pledges, so they’ll either get a lump sum for their whole day swim, or pledges per lap,” Ms Stewart said.
“And every swimmer will get a free polo top from the cost of entry.”
The swimathon will be followed by a family day and barbecue.
There are hopes a swimming club will eventually be established at Pyramid Hill.
Ms Stewart said the swimathon had involved a real community effort.
“There’s a few people who have thrown up their hand and said ‘yeah, we’d like to be involved on the day, which has been great,” she said.
Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie urged residents to get behind the swimathon.
"Council’s public pools are vital meeting places, providing an environment which encourages physical activity and social enjoyment, which are a winning combination for building healthy communities," he said."If you can swim two laps of a pool - with or without floating aids - you can compete in a team event, alternatively, you can sponsor a swimmer, buy a raffle ticket, enjoy a barbecue lunch prepared by the Pyramid Hill Lions Club or save up some gold coins for a cuppa and cake.
"Either way you’ll be supporting the Pyramid Hill Swimming Pool Committee to plan a fantastic community celebration expected to get underway in November."
The swimathon starts at 10.30am.
For further information contact Emily Stewart on 0459 375 949, or Katrina van Eyk on 0438 894 437.