Swim Teams Unite for 26th Event
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Swimmers come in all shapes, sizes and ages and so do swim teams. The Swim for Life, set for Saturday, September 7, has always welcomed and encouraged impromptu groups and established teams to participate — they bring a united enthusiasm to the event. But swimming itself is often a loner sport — moving through the water relying on one’s inner strength and physical stamina to make it from Long Point to the Boatslip Resort beach. Of course there are friendly kayakers along the way to give direction, support and maybe a respite, but swimming is basically a singular activity unless you’re with a team, or with a friend.
The spirit of community at this event fosters team spirit and attracts established teams like the Wellesley High School swim team — their much anticipated call and response cheers, as well as LANES from Boston — marshalling over two dozen strapping swimmers. Often large gay contingents such as Chicago Smelts and The Fin’s Aquatics Club of Philadelphia participate in this weekend event.Often a group will quietly swim for a lost friend or someone very sick. Groups were recently formed for Jacqui Mac and Walter Greely, bringing together friends and family members, some swimming and others kayaking and cheerleading. Team McNulty, spearheaded by Shawn McNulty with his daughter, Nicole, is completing its tenth swim before taking a break from his legendary fundraising — collecting pledges from close to 200 individuals, often earning the team the top fundraising spot, last year at $18000. Although Adrian’s Restaurant has closed, Team Adrian’s will continue it tradition with over a half dozen swimmers and kayakers participating. Team Martinez from Belchertown, MA includes Eileen Martinez for her 18th event, along with her twelve-year-old daughter, Gabriela, for her fourth. And putting aside their motorcycles for the water, the Moving Violations Motorcycle Club will collaborate with Native Cape Cod Seafood — organized by Boe Morgan and Andrew Morgan — collecting pledges and offering a special carbo load meal on Friday night at their restaurant’s Aquarium Mall location in Provincetown.Not to be outdone, Nauset High School swim coach Katie McCully, the fastest female swimmer many times over at the Swim, formed Fitzy’s Mermaids. She will be swimming with her sisters, Mary and Maura Sutherland and friend Cathy McDonough. Her father, Kevin “Mr. Swimming” Fitzgerald from Northampton, MA is being honored. Team IB Provincetown School, organized by Superintendent Beth Singer, celebrates their accreditation as the first school on Cape Cod bestowed with International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme certification. And exciting news for swimmers out on the water, Team Yoga East, organized by Jerry Anathan, with Bill Bond of Provincetown Aqua Sports, will provide both stand-up paddleboard and kayak support. They are open to new members.The 26th annual Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla will be held on Saturday, September 7 at the Boatslip Resort. Kayak registration begins at 8:30am, swimmer registration is from 9:00-10:00am. The Mermaid Brunch is open to the public and begins at noon, with entertainment with Zoe Lewis. An awards ceremony follows.On Friday, the day before, there is a swimmer orientation at 1:00pm and a kayaker orientation at 2:00pm at the Boatslip beach — both are optional. The Celebration of Life Concert will take place at the UU Meeting House at 8:00pm, organized by John Thomas. Swim beneficiaries include: 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.Business sponsors include: Seamen’s Bank, Lead Sponsor; Provincetown Banner, Media Sponsor; Far Land Provisions; Boatslip Resort; Fanizzi’s Restaurant; Lobster Pot Restaurant; Crown & Anchor; Mussel Beach Health Club; Harbor Hotel and Marc Jacobs. The Swim is also funded in part by the Provincetown Tourism Fund.
