On 17th-18th August 2019, the Rotary Club of Bendigo hosted the inaugural Bendigo
MS 24 Hour Mega Swim at Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre.
As you can see from the photos, it was an exciting event with 9 teams competing, but also working together, with the aim of raising $20,000 to assist people living with multiple sclerosis in the Bendigo region. The event was a huge success raising over $30,000 and enjoyed by all who participated.
Thank you so much to MS for organising the event, Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre for providing the venue at no cost, The Rotary Club of Bendigo South- "Connect to the Community" for providing their BBQ, food and team of volunteers free of charge, all of the volunteers who literally worked around the clock to ensure the event ran smoothly and of course all the teams who entered, swam the 24 hours and supported their teams to raise vital funds for people living with MS – we could not have done it without you.
Rotary 9800 District Governor, Grant Hocking attended the event to thank volunteers and present the awards. Congratulations to team Red Heads as the overall winning team raising over $7,200, the Bendigo East Open Water Swim Squad for swimming a massive 86.55kms and taking out the Farthest Distance Swum, Rachel Mill, the Highest Individual Fundraiser, Emma Gleeson, the Highest Junior Fundraiser and all other prize winners.
Money raised from the MS MegaSwim and other events fund MS Go for Gold Scholarships who are awarded to people living with multiple sclerosis, who wish to follow a dream. Focusing on achieving a dream is a great way to build a stronger sense of wellness, have a break from focusing on multiple sclerosis, and a fantastic opportunity to inspire others at the same time! For all participants, the scholarships provide the opportunity to significantly change lives.
The MS 24 Hour Mega Swim has supported over 500 Go for Gold Scholarship recipients across Australia in fulfilling a dream. We look forward to hearing how our contribution has helped people living with MS to follow their dream.
Due to the huge success of the event, we hope to do it all again next year, so watch this space, like our page and…. just keep swimming, just keep swimming…
Well done to everyone involved!