Illawarra water polo players will be minus the ball when they compete to raise funds for multiple sclerosis sufferers next weekend.
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Instead of shooting for goals, they will swim non-stop for 24 hours in their own lane against slightly different competition at the annual MS Mega Swim at the University of Wollongong Pool.
The 10th annual event was not able to be held last year due to COVID-19 restrictions and Figtree Lions Club was eager to to proceed next Saturday and Sunday.
Figtree Lions Club event organiser Bill Wright said almost $350,000 has been raised from the past nine events and this year's target is $50,000.
Mr Wright said almost 140 swimmers have already entered in 14 teams this year and were eager to make a difference.
He said Illawarra MS sufferers have received grants as a result of the fundraising to help cope with their condition.
"It's a novel way to raise funds for MS," Mr Wright said.
"Each team has to have at least one swimmer in the water for 24 hours. Each team member raises money from their personal donors, depending on how many laps they complete."
Illawarra Water Polo Club president Jimmy Berry said a mixed team of male and female players from the club, including juniors as young as 12 have signed on for the MS Mega Swim.
He said it was the under 14 junior team recently won the NSW Country water polo championships in their first attempt.
Mr Berry said the club first formed in 1979 and was reborn in 2013 when more junior and senior participants starting getting involved and forming teams to take part in local competitions.
It has grown to more than 100 members and recently started competing against other clubs such as Cronulla and Southern Highlands.
Club members train on Monday and compete against each other on Wednesdays.
Illawarra Water Polo's Mega Swim team are called the Rubber Duckies and includes swim teachers from Beaton Park Leisure Centre.
Mr Berry said it was a chance for club members to raise funds for people who needed support by doing what they do best.
"We love to swim and this is such a good community social event. And the University pool is our home pool."
Mr Berry did the charity event two years ago and has organised half hour sessions for each member of the Rubber Duckies. Jack Cockington said it will be his first MS Mega Swim and he is looking forward to it with other members of the club who always enjoyed doing things together to support a good cause. Registrations and donations at www.msmegachallenge.org.au.
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