Leo Begue soaks up some sun in preparation for the swim. 76544 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Vanessa Chircop
FRENCH foreign exchange student Leo Begue will be one of many swimmers who will be taking to the water for the Jalna Big Bay Swim.
The 3.2 kilometre swim from Port Melbourne to Williamstown raises money for Rotary Club charities including Challenge Cancer.
Leo, who has been staying with members of Point Gellibrand Rotary Club, wanted to give something back to the club by getting involved.
“I like the Rotary Club, the money will help people,” he said.
At home in Toulouse the closest beach is a two hour drive away.
“Here it’s three minutes on my bike,” he said.
Going to the beach is just one of the many things Leo has been enjoying about his stay in Australia – making his friends back home in cold Toulouse, very jealous.
The 16-year-old admitted the swim would be a challenge.
“It will be cold but it will be fun, I like to swim – I’m going to take it very slowly.”
For those competing in the event a host of prizes are up for grabs.
Early Bird entrants go in the draw for a sea kayak and accessories valued at $1000.
Cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 will go to the first three placegetters in the men’s and women’s divisions, of the swim, and there’ll be some great spot prizes.
Past winners include Olympians Rob Woodhouse and Nicole Livingstone and marathon swimmer Tammy Van Wisse (three times).
Olympians Michael Klim and Daniel Kowalski (runner-up) have also swum in the event.
The event will be held on Sunday 26 February.
Entry forms and details are available at www.bigbayswim.com.au, or phone Jalna Big Bay Swim co-ordinator Faye Lanyon 0409 677 127, or Mario Vella 0418 326 610.
