There are only a select few that can put their head down in the water, stare at a line on the floor, and swim with only the noise of the water and their own thoughts for two-hours straight. The selected few were 48 amazing Thunderbolt swimmers from eight to 17 years of age.
These 48 athletes, along with their families, were in the pool at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday April 29, with the goal of swimming as far as they each could in the matter of two hours. Together they travelled a remarkable distance of 260 kilometres.
Every year the Thunderbolts gather for this Swim-A-Thon to help raise money for their swim club. Together these athletes, along with their friends, family, and members of our community raised over $10,660. This money will be put towards equipment improvements that are essential for training and hosting regional and provincial swim meets here in Thunder Bay.
“My first Swim-A-Thon was very fun, and I think it was a good way to raise money. I liked how all the groups were swimming together! It was as fun as I expected.” Said Kate Hupka, age 9, a first time Swim-A-Thon-er.
The Bolts athletes continue to ramp up their training in preparation for the Thunder Bay Periodontics Grand Prix Championships that will be held on the weekend of May 26-28. The Grand Prix will be hosted at the Canada Games Complex and will welcome upwards of 400 other swimmers, ages eight to 23, from the region. It is a three-day competition that wraps up the season for most of the younger Bolt swimmers, while older athletes continue to train hard as they strive for personal best times at upcoming provincial and national meets in June, July and August.
Push, glide, reach, go Bolts go!
