Mates make a big splash for safety in the water

Close friends Ben Richmond and Malcolm Cleland are taking on a new sporting challenge to raise money for charity.

The pair, who has taken on triathlons and other sports, have set their sights on the 10km swim at the State Epic Swim in Taupo this weekend.

Their plans are to raise $10,000 – or a $1000 per kilometre of their journey.

The swimming kick came after the pair completed the 3.3km State Paihia Classic and the State Harbour Crossing in Auckland recently.

“We are always full of crazy ideas and challenges,” said Richmond. “The Paihia event went well so we decided to do Auckland which went pretty well too.”

The 10km event is part of the Epic Swim Festival at Lake Taupo, which includes swims for children from 100m and 500m, recreational swims of 1km, 2.5km, 5km and 10km as well as the New Zealand open water championships.

Richmond, now based in Auckland, and Cleland (Wellington) are aware they are taking on a massive challenge.

“We were talking about how fortunate we were that we were both brought up with families who enjoyed being in and around the water and that we have both been taught to swim.

“We had been looking at the statistics and far too many people drown in New Zealand and what’s more so many kids do not know how to swim in this country.”

So they have decided to take up the challenge and raise funds for Water Safety at the same time.

Richmond is a trustee of the Givealittle Foundation, established by the Telecom Foundation, which they have used as the vehicle for their fundraising.

“It’s a zero fees fundraising service. Basically the Foundation has established a fundraising model for anyone to use. It was the perfect way to fundraise for us.”

The money will go towards bolstering water safety education and resources for 200 Kiwi Kids programmes around the country.

“Too many New Zealanders drown each year, but by learning to swim and survive Kiwi kids will be equipped to deal with difficult situations in the water, hopefully our efforts will encourage Kiwis to learn about safety in the water and access valuable resources.”

The State Epic Swim comprises the 10km State New Zealand Championship and other recreational swims on Saturday with the 5km national championships and a masters race on Sunday.
For fundraising details: http://fundraise.givealittle.co.nz/?p=1531

For event details: www.epicswim.co.nz