Swim25: Symbiosis

“Living together of unlike organisms” is how one late 19^th century scientist described the natural process. It was a time when Provincetown prospered from its relationship to the sea, the height of global whaling, with dozens of wharves embraced by the circular sweep of the arms of the harbor. And many “unlike organisms” thrived. Provincetown was of the sea, by the sea and for the sea. This symbiotic identity - though transformed - remains. It is a multualistic ecological necessity. It’s symbiosis, Provincetown style.The upcoming Swim for Life - for the 25^th time - draws our attention back to the harbor waters and to our identity as an evolving community. What holds us together?The Swim for Life is a microcosm of this complex web we call community. It supports the crucial services of numerous organizations that directly affect the quality of life year round: AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, Helping Our Women, Outer Cape Health Services, Provincetown Rescue Squad, Lower Cape Ambulance, Soup Kitchen in Provincetown, the Academy at Provincetown School and The Compact Community Fund.It relies on the unforgiving support of volunteers, the generous and courageous swimmers and kayakers, and the thousands of individuals who donate and pledge swimmers. And the business community.The Provincetown Banner and the Boatslip Resort have been our longest running sponsors, with others supporting us for many years: Far Land Provisions, Fanazzi’s Restaurant, Seamen’s Bank and the Lobster Pot Restaurant. Joining us again are the Crown & Anchor and Mussel Beach Health Club. We’d like to welcome new sponsors, the Harbor Hotel and Marc Jacobs. The Swim is also funded in part by the Provincetown Tourism Fund.We also need to recognize the businesses that donate dozens of prizes for the top swimmer fundraisers. Top prizes so far this year include: two round trip Cape Air tickets, two VIP passes for the Provincetown International Film Festival and a week in San Miguel, Mexico.Swim25 t-shirts are available at downtown Seamen’s Bank, Venture Athletics, Harbor Hotel, Art House and the Aqua Bar at the Aquarium Mall.All events are free and open to the public: Friday, September 7, 1:00pm, swimmer orientation (optional); 2:00pm, kayaker orientation (optional), Boatslip beach; Celebration of Life Concert, 8:00pm, Meeting House, produced by John Thomas. Saturday, September 8, 8:30-10:00am, boater and kayaker registration, Boatslip Beach; 9:00-10:00am, swimmer registration, Boatslip deck; Swim starts at Long Point, 10:30am; the public greets swimmers at Boatslip, 11:30am-1:00pm; Mermaid Brunch, noon to 2:00pm; awards ceremony, 1:00pm (or after last swimmer arrives); music by Zoe Lewis.For swimmer, kayaker, volunteer and sponsorship information: www.swim4life.org, thecompact@comcast.org. The Provincetown Community Compact, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded by Jay Critchley in 1993 to enhance the well being of Provincetown and the Lower Cape, sponsors the event.Published in Provincetown Banner, 8-29-12