It's not often Wollongong Olympian Jarrod Poort is relegated to the sidelines, but thanks to a broken arm that will be his fate at Wollongong's MS Australia 24-hour Mega Swim later this month.
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The 19-year-old swimmer had only just returned home after claiming the Australian title in the men's open five-kilometre and 10-kilometre events in Perth last month, when he broke his arm in a skateboard accident.
It will be six weeks before he can get back into the swim, but he still plans to attend the fund-raising event at the University of Wollongong on March 22 and 23 to cheer participants on.
"I took part in last year's Mega Swim in Wollongong, and as well as raising money and awareness for multiple sclerosis, it was just a really fun event," Poort said.
"I'd really urge people to get behind the cause and get involved in the swim, which is held at a number of locations across Australia during the year."
Wollongong swimming stars David and Emma McKeon will also get involved in the Wollongong event, with all proceeds to go towards financial assistance programs and the Go For Gold scholarship program for people with MS.
MS Australia has been running the Mega Swim in Wollongong for three years, with help from Figtree Lions Club members.
Last year more than 225 swimmers from 17 teams swam more than 1000 kilometres during the relay-style event.
Ten teams have so far registered, and organisers hope to attract more to reach a fund-raising target of $45,000.
Visit www.megaswim.com.
