OLYMPIC Gold medallist swimmer Emma McKeon was on the pool deck at YMCA Victoria Point on Saturday to support a fundraiser to help people with a disability learn to swim.
The YMCA Swimathon is a national fundraiser that helps fund swimming lessons, purchase equipment and build resources.
Being International Day of People with a Disability, Saturday was a fitting day to launch the event which will be on March 5.
Ms McKeon said she was proud to support the Swimathon as everyone had a right to have the same opportunities to enjoy the water safely.
“Swimming is a huge part of my life and it gives me great joy to see so many people with disabilities being able to get into the water and share my passion – but there is more work to do,” she said.
Ms McKeon encouraged people to get involved with the local YMCA to raise funds for the event.
“There are so many ways you can help – jump in the water, sponsor someone else, donate, buy a sausage at the sausage sizzle – just make sure you splash out for this great cause.”
YMCA’s chief executive officer Alan Bray said swimming and learning to be safe around water was an important life skill, like reading or writing, but people with disabilities often miss out due to a lack of access to specialist lessons, teachers, equipment and accessible pools.
“As a result, it places them at increased risk of drowning,” he said.
“This is where the YMCA Swimathon comes in – to raise the necessary funds to open up the water to everyone.
“For example, just $20 pays for one swimming lesson, $60 buys a neck flotation device, $250 pays for specialised resources, $500 buys a float suit and $2000 buys a water wheelchair.”
Research has found cost to be the biggest barrier to people with disability taking part in sport and recreation activities like swimming.
Held at more than 60 YMCA centres across Australia, the Swimathon aims to raise $390,000 next year.
This year more than 6000 participants raised about $311,200.
To register and find out more about the Swimathon or mini-events being held in the run-up to March 5, contact YMCA Victoria Point in Link Road, Victoria Point or on 3820 5300 or visit ymcaswimathon.org.au.
