Footscray resident David Odgars will compete in the Big Bay Swim for the first time this weekend. 77224 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Charlene Gatt
HUNDREDS of swimmers will brave the open waters this Sunday for the annual Big Bay Swim from Port Melbourne to Williamstown.
The 3.2-kilometre swim kicks off at 9am from Sandridge Beach and will finish at Pelicans Landing, Gem Pier, Williamstown.
The first man and woman to make it to Gem Pier will receive $500 prize money.
Prizes will also be given out to second and third placegetters, plus non-cash prizes for the winner of the junior division and other categories.
Footscray resident David Odgars (pictured) has been getting in some last-minute training before the event.
Mr Odgars, 51, is pulling on the togs and goggles to compete in the event for the first time, and is hoping to cross the finish line in under 90 minutes.
Mr Odgars, who told Star he was taking the plunge to test out his fitness, has only completed one open-water swim before, the one-kilometre Blue Rock Classic.
He swims laps in the 25-metre pool at North Melbourne at least twice a week, but has ramped up his training ses-
sions to three times a week since signing up for the Big Bay Swim.
The Big Bay Swim is organised by the Port Gellibrand Rotary Club, with proceeds from the event going towards Rotary’s nominated charities.
There’s still time to make it to the start line. Entry forms and further information can be found on the Big Bay website, www.bigbayswim.com.au. Alternatively, you can register on the day.
