A splash with a difference

In April, the Great Southern community came together once again for the 12th annual MSWA Albany Swim. This year, the MSWA Albany Swim reached a significant milestone, with our thousandth swimmer making a splash!  

Eight teams, totalling 81 swimmers, participated in a colourful display of costumes for the eight-hour marathon swim at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre. 

A remarkable 8,510 laps were completed, nearly double last year's count, with the Albany Swimming Club completing the most laps, swimming an impressive 1,634 laps. 

Over the past 12 years, the swim has fundraised over $300,000 for the MSWA cause, with this year’s event raising an astounding $29,000. Congratulations to Team Marines for being our Highest Team Fundraisers, with over $12,000 raised. A special mention goes to Rechelle Wright for being our Highest Individual Fundraiser, raising well over $3,000! 

This feel-good community event brings together Albany locals, Great Southern residents, and MSWA Clients and staff to raise funds and awareness for neurological conditions. Participants enjoy the friendly challenge of the event and value giving back to their local community through fundraising.  

Most swimmers return year-after-year because of their connection to the cause and willingness to support MSWA, including Albany local, Marina Pietropaolo who has participated in the swim every year since its inception.  

Having lived with MS for over 20 years, this is a cause that is close to Marina’s heart.  

Diagnosed at 25 years old, Marina underwent a complex treatment journey, where she frequently changed her prescription medications and relied on painkillers to manage severe side effects from her medication, on top of her MS symptoms.    

“The first 14 years after my diagnosis were the hardest,” said Marina, “I experienced multiple MS attacks, and it was debilitating.”   

With the advancement of treatment options, Marina is now living life to her full potential. She has opened her own architecture business and leads a more active lifestyle. Experiencing this difference has brought renewed hope for Marina. 

“Research makes a big difference. I have seen it come a long way. It gives me hope for people who are diagnosed today that do not have to do the hard yards I did to get to where I am now.”   

Despite not being a strong swimmer, it has not deterred Marina from participating, and she has since trained herself to be more confident in the water. Her determination, enthusiasm, and positive attitude have inspired others in the community to take part.  

Marina’s husband, Remo, and son, Santino, have been active fundraisers for the cause for years. Both musicians comfortable in the spotlight, the star duo has MCed the event for the past few years.    

This is a fantastic event. The community comes together, we bond for the cause, and it is really fun! We come away from it exhausted, but we would do it again and again. We love it that much!

Over the past 12 years, funds raised through the swim have assisted in the development of Albany’s service centre and accommodation facilities and continue to support the centre’s operations. Our accommodation offers Clients 24/7 care in a homely environment, while the centre provides tailored services such as yoga, hydrotherapy, massage, and physiotherapy.  

It is thanks to dedicated fundraisers like Marina and her family, that MSWA can positively impact the lives of people living with neurological conditions in the Great Southern and beyond.  

We would also like to thank our sponsors who made this event possible: City of Albany, Southern Ports Albany, WizLoans Albany, CBD Architects, Moss Conveyancing, Bathroom Decor & Tiles, Poolside Cafe and Storage Solutions WA.  

MSWA extends its congratulations and appreciation to the Great Southern community for their unwavering and continuous support to the MSWA Albany Swim.   

To view photos from the event visit 2024 MSWA Albany Swim photo gallery.