Tuesday May 14, 2013

RM90,000 raised at ‘swimathon’

Participants of the Raleigh Round Island Challenge completing the fund-raising swim at Perhentian Island.

PETALING JAYA: Fifty-six swimmers swam for 56km in the Raleigh Round Island Challenge to raise RM90,000 to help Malaysian youths embark on international expeditions.

The event, which saw the swimmers circling the iconic Perhentian Island, was organised by Raleigh Kuala Lumpur as part of the National Youth Day event under the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Raleigh Kuala Lumpur committee member and public relations officer Liow En De said it would have an introduction week from May 31 to June 2 as part of the selection process for youths to go on Raleigh Expeditions.

“It is rare to see volunteers from all backgrounds coming together in such an event to swim for a good cause. It is also a good way to encourage more youths to get out there and live a healthy and active lifestyle.

“It is also a great way to develop not just as a person but as part of a global community,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Raleigh Expeditions run adventure expeditions in Borneo, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Tanzania, allowing volunteers to work on sustainable and worthwhile community and environmental projects alongside people from the host country and local skilled workers.

The Raleigh Kuala Lumpur Introduction Weekend is open to youths between the ages of 17 and 24, during which they will be exposed to Raleigh projects.

Aaron Lee, who participated in the fund-raising event, said he found the experience “nice and special”.

“Despite having quite a lot of experience in the sport, swimming together with a team made the whole experience very nice and special.

“I have had my fair share of swimathons'. In all senses, the event stands out for its uniqueness, flexibility and on spot swimnovations',” he said, adding that it served as a high benchmark for future pursuits.

Peh Gin Hai, team coach and former national swimming team coach, said he enjoyed the event because of the high team spirit.

“It was an honour to be part of the event. Cheers to the people in Raleigh Kuala Lumpur for organising it,” he said.

Visit www.raleighinternational.org, check out its official Facebook account at www.facebook.com/RaleighKL, or call Tam Kar Lye at 012-2018829 to know more.

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