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A group of enthusiastic swimmers are hoping to make a charity splash this weekend as they host a series of races to raise money for earthquake-stricken Nepal.
In a stroke of goodwill, regular charity event organisers Paul and Sylvia Vrijhof, plus their daughter, Roma, and St Christopher’s Junior School swimming coach Yavor Zahariev, have set up the Swim4Nepal swimathon, which will take place at the school’s campus in Saar on Friday morning from 10am.
There will be eight events: 100m individual medley, 50m free, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 100m free, 50m backstroke, 100m breaststroke and 0m buttery.
Swimmers will be divided by genders in different age categories: eight and under, nine to 10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18 and the Masters group.
Each swimmer can sign up for a maximum of four races, and BD3 per race will go straight to the chosen charity.
Paul said: “St Chris has been so generous to free up their pool for us. Therefore, we have chosen to link our charity to one of their charity events, which is focussed on raising money for Nepal. Funds will be used to build schools, provide books, school materials and employ teachers in the stricken nation.” Approximately 150 participants have registered to take part, with more expected as the week goes on.
Swimming is ingrained in the Vrijhof family, as Roma, 14, is a spectacular talent in the field. er recent achievements include securing ualification for the utch national championships last June, winning a gold medal in the 0m backstroke amilton regional championships last month, winning the women’s category (including against adults) in the Boost Bahrain open water swim, and qualifying for the upcoming short course Youth Dutch Nationals to be held in January.
Paul explained: “As a family, we have a passion for sport and as parents we like to expose our children to helping others through charity. Roma is a fanatic swimmer and came up with the idea of organising a charity swim competition as a complement to the charity football tournaments we’ve held in the past.
“We couldn’t do this without other swim teachers, parents and even the swim squad members helping out. We are always grateful to our volunteers, and also our sponsors AirFranceKLM to allow these events to happen.”
For those going down to support their children or just to watch, there will be bake and Tshirt sales, rafe tickets with prizes donated by sponsors and more entertainment.
