NOT only is Port Elizabeth renowned for its friendliness, but its kindness should also never be underestimated!

The City now has the golden opportunity to participate in the worldwide Rotary Global Swimarathon. Through this exciting event, Rotary aims to raise funds towards Rotary International’s worldwide project to eradicate Polio.

For the past 22 years the Rotary Club of Grantham, England, has held a highly successful “Rotary Swimarathon”, raising money for local charities and deserving causes.

In 2012 they are holding an extra event in the form of a Rotary Global Swimarathon setting a new world record for the most number of people swimming at the same time anywhere in the world. The number currently stands at 2533.

The event will take place on Saturday, February 25 at 2pm (South African time) at the Newton Park Swimming Pool on the corner or Worraker Street and Third Avenue.

To qualify for the world record attempt, swimmers will have to swim just 100 metres without stopping within the hour. There will be an entrance fee of R20 per person, which will all go to the Rotary Foundation, which will assist the campaign to rid the world of Polio.

People who are not able to participate, can sponsor a swimmer(s) and donations are always welcome.

Event Chairman, Roger Graves, said that through the Global Swimarathon they hope to set a new world record; raise funds towards the elimination of Polio; increase the awareness of Rotary and encourage more people to swim and stay fit.

So far registrations for the event have been received from New Zealand, Australia, The Philippines, South Africa, Hong Kong, Portugal, India, USA, Canada, Croatia and the United Kingdom and entries are increasing daily.

Schools’ teams, business groups and individuals can contact Ron Cleland at 00836503352 or cleland@intekom.co.za for info regarding entry forms and requirements.