By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
On Sunday 29 August at 10am, there will be an open water swim of 1.6km (1 mile) from the Sandy Beach at Black Creek Provincial Park to Old Woman Island and back. Proceeds are going to Children’s Services in Neyaashiinigmiing through the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre.
Open to Swimmers of All Ages
Swimmers of all ages are welcomed. To date, one paddle boarder has also expressed their interest in participating and will be allowed to paddle the border of the course.
Participants must pre-register, the deadline is August 27th and the Registration Fee is $25 per person.
Event to Honour Children of Residential Schools
The event is being organised by Sahand Amiri and Teresa Nesci, owners of the Friendly Owl Bed and Breakfast. They say “Our hearts are with the Survivors of Residential School and their Families.” The couple wanted to do something to honour the Children and at the same time build community awareness.
Amiri, an avid swimmer, says “Swimming one mile is a challenge that hopefully motivates the community to come together. This swim could be a place to channel emotions, uplift individuals and strengthen group unity.”
Event Gains Community Support
Amiri and Nesci are pleasantly surprised by the keen community support for the event. Within one week of advertising the event on Facebook, they had reached half their goal. A dozen swimmers have already registered.
Logistics Being finalized
They are still organizing the logistics for the event. To maintain social distancing protocols participants will start off in small groups of four or five swimmers. The maximum number of participants are still to be decided. Lifeguards and a paramedic will be present. Canoe and paddle board support will border the course and a small boat will follow behind the last swimmer. They have invited an Elder from Neyaashiinigmiing to speak at the event and are awaiting confirmation of their attendance.
Draw Prizes to be awarded to donors
There will be nine draws for prizes which include a week at Camp Celtic or a meal for two at one of the eight participating restaurants.
Donations and fees can be submitted on their GoFundMe page ((https://gofund.me/f38f4293)
For registration and further information, please contact oldwomanislandswim@gmail.com
