EAST ALTON ILLINOIS ROTARY CLUB: EVERYONE IN THE POOL

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

EVERYONE IN THE POOL

Thousands of participants around the world plan to swim 100 meters or more on 25 February in an effort to set a new Guinness World Record and to raise money for Rotary's polio eradication campaign.(click below to read mnore)

It's just one of many events being planned by Rotarians the week of 23 February to celebrate Rotary's 107th anniversary.

The global event is being organized by the Rotary Club of Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, which has held an annual swim fundraiser since 1990 to support local charities. Participants swim laps in a pool to raise pledges during the "swimarathons."

This year, in addition to their local event, the Grantham Rotarians decided to spearhead a worldwide swim the week of Rotary’s anniversary. In order to set a new one-hour swimming record, they need 2,355 swimmers to complete more than 100 meters between 12:00 and 13:00 GMT.

So far, 78 clubs have registered to participate by holding their own swimming fundraisers for polio.

"The idea of setting a world record started as a bit of a joke," says Roger Graves, event chair. "But now that the reality has set in, we hope to set a new world record, raise funds toward eliminating polio, increase awareness of Rotary, and encourage more people to swim and stay fit."

Other events

Among other events being planned around the world to mark Rotary’s anniversary, teams of Rotarians from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States will volunteer during National Immunization Days in India, 19-22 February, in advance of a polio summit 25-26 February in Delhi, India. In Pakistan, a new "This Close" print advertising campaign will be launched featuring Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the president’s daughter and the country’s ambassador for polio eradication.

Also, throughout the week of 23 February, Rotary clubs and districts will be illuminating landmarks around the world with the End Polio Now message.

This year, the landmarks include the Water and Power Development Authority building in Lahore, Pakistan, and Frere Hall in Karachi; the Roppongi Hills skyscraper in Tokyo; Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia; and City Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.