NEWS RELEASE
THUNDERBOLTS
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The ThunderBolts Swim Club hosted an official Swim-a-thon on May 7,2022 at the Canada Games Complex. During this Swim-a-thon, participating swimmers attempted to swim up to 200 lengths of the pool to raise important money for the team.
A total of 46 swimmers ages nine through 17 swam a total of 9000 lengths or 225 kilometres in one hour 45 minutes.
ThunderBolt Chloe Manning, 11, found this Swim-a-thon fun and exciting. “I had the goal of swimming 5000 meters and I was able to achieve this. Achieving my goal helps me become more confident in the sport. I am really looking forward to competing with my friends at the Bolts 50th Anniversary Grand Prix Swim Meet,” stated Chloe Manning.
Performance swimmer Tori Niittynen-Dreifeld hammered out 7025 metres in two hours. ”I really love being back in the pool and enjoyed being able to participate in the Swim-a-thon once again. By doing so, I was able to push myself as well as raise funds for our incredible team,” stated Tori Niitynen-Driefeld.
The ThunderBolt's Swim-a-thon will provide funds to enable the club to travel across the country to compete against the best athletes in Canada. The cost of travel, living in Thunder Bay, is a challenge for ThunderBolt athletes as they strive to reach their goals. Swim-a-thon funds also helps pay for equipment and valuable pool time. This year, the ThunderBolts have raised over $10,000 to date. Members of the public can still make donations and support the club until May, 28, 2022 at www.ontarioswimathon.ca/tbt.
“I would like to personally thank all the families and businesses that have supported our swimmers”, stated ThunderBolt president Michelle Luu. “Sponsors such as Tbaytel, Sportop, Superior Shores and many more have helped our swimmers reach their swimming goals – we couldn’t thank you enough”, added Luu.
The fundraising efforts not only benefit swimming in the community, but also across Canada. Since 1998, Swim-a-thon fundraisers have generated more than over $50 million for swim clubs and swim programs across the country.
“Seeing the club coming together as a team is an absolute joy”, stated Interim head coach Andy Ritchie. “These athletes support each other and have a lot of fun!,” added Ritchie.
