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Cheerleaders cheer on swimmers nearing the finish line in 2005. |
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Swim strokes into 20th year
By Elsa Allen
Banner Correspondent
PROVINCETOWN – The annual Provincetown Harbor Swim for Life takes place for the 20th time this Saturday, with a full schedule of events planned around what has become one of the town's most popular yearly activities.
Last year more than 300 swimmers raised over $160,000 for local charities as they made the 1.4-mile swim from Long Point to the Boatslip. Although event founder Jay Critchley says he can't predict just how many swimmers and kayakers will show up for registration the morning of the event, if the past 20 years are any indication, it surely will draw quite a crowd.
"Over the years it's grown," says Critchley, who made the swim the first few years, but now remains on land to coordinate safety for those in the water. "My focus is on creating a high energy event and an exciting experience for people."
Swimmers are asked to raise at least $100 in pledges from friends and family, although most go above and beyond.
Swimmers will begin to gather for registration at the Boatslip at 9:30 a.m., paddler registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The swim begins at 11 a.m. from Long Point.
According to Critchley, the first swimmer usually makes landfall in front of the Boatslip around 11:30. He encourages the public to come and join in the fun.
A Mermaid Brunch, which has been part of the event since 1991, will follow the swim and is open to the public by donation. Far Land Provisions of Provincetown will provide food for the brunch. The brunch is open to the public and is offered on a donation basis.
New to the event this year, WOMR will be doing a live broadcast from the Boatslip, with special correspondents phoning in from Long Point as the swimmers prepare to depart. Entertainment by local performer Zo‘ Lewis will begin at noon, and an awards ceremony will take place at the brunch.
Wayne Ryerson, this yearŐs recipient of the David Asher Volunteer Award, will be honored at the brunch as well. The award is given each year to an outstanding volunteer. Ryerson, in addition to his 11 years volunteering for the Swim for Life, has been a volunteer for organizations throughout town and serves as chairperson of the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown.
Events for the swim kick off on Friday night with a special ŇCelebration of Life ConcertÓ given by local musician John Thomas at the UU Meeting House.
The public is encouraged to participate in all events.
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Sep 6th, 2007