2023 MS Mighty Swim set to make a splash this weekend!
6th February 2023
More than 360 competitors will take to the water at Unley Swimming Centre for the amateur relay challenge which sees 20 teams freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and even doggy paddle as they attempt to swim as many laps as they can in 24 hours to raise money for people living with multiple sclerosis in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Funds raised from the event help MS Society SA & NT provide vital services to people living with MS, including nurses, physiotherapy, social and peer support, and a range of wellbeing education sessions. Funds also go towards MS research and finding preventions, new treatments, and a cure for the neurological condition.
In its 18th year, the MS Mighty Swim is a fantastic family-friendly weekend with plenty of entertainment across the two days, including a face painter, magician, balloon twister and a visit from Elsa and Spider-Man. There will also be live music, food vans, yoga, massages for event participants and demonstrations by Royal Lifesaving South Australia. Spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy the day with a donation on entry.
MS Mighty Swim participant Nevin van den Brink, who was diagnosed with MS in 2014, has been involved with the event since 2020 with his team, Nev’s Snorkellers.
“It’s such a fun event, and something to look forward to every year,” Mr van den Brink said.
“The MS Society SA & NT provides a really important service to people with MS, especially those newly diagnosed because it can be really overwhelming.
“You’ve got someone to turn to and ask questions and get support from.
“They also help with access to equipment, and I know how important that is. Plus, the money poured into research is just so important to help find treatments, and a cure.”
MS Society SA & NT Chief Executive, Jannine Jackson, said the MS Mighty Swim was a much-loved community and fundraising event, which in 2022 raised $137,000 for MS research and services.
“There’s always been a strong sense of community with the event,” Ms Jackson said.
“We started the MS Mighty Swim in 2005 and we have teams and individuals who have been with us from the beginning.
“It’s a great way to bring the MS and wider communities together and raise money for such an important cause. Our clients inspire us every day and we strive to help them live as well as possible.
“There is currently no known cure for MS, so we are also passionate about contributing a portion of the funds to MS research into better treatments, finding the cause, and a cure for MS.”
Ms Jackson, who will also be in the pool competing on the day, said the event would not be possible without the support of the City of Unley and Unley Swimming Centre, both major sponsors since the event’s inception.
Event website: msmightyswim.com.au
About multiple sclerosis (MS)
MS is the most common acquired neurological disease affecting young Australian adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40, and affects three times more women than men. There is no cure.
MS is the result of damage to myelin – a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. The symptoms of MS are different for each person. For some, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission, while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.
About the MS Society SA & NT
MS Society SA & NT is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing information, education, connection, care, and support to people living with multiple sclerosis across South Australia and Northern Territory. Through MS Australia, Australia’s national not-for-profit, we support MS research.
Our vision: As we strive to eliminate MS, every person living with MS is accessing the highest standard of services and support they need to live well.
Find out more: ms.asn.au
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