On Sunday Nov.7 Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya will host
the Rotary Charity Pattaya Cross Bay Swim. Famous for many years as a
paradise of water sports and marine-related pursuits, Pattaya benefits
enormously from this event which this year will attract more than one
hundred swimmers, adults and children of all nationalities participating in
what must be regarded as one of the most colourful and environmentally
friendly activities for all the family.
The Charity Swim enjoys the privilege of being the only
event of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. It is a fun event, a unique
family event and a great opportunity for swimmers of all ages to take up a
serious challenge for a noble cause. It has the support of the Tourism
Authority of Thailand and Pattaya City. The quality of the sea water in
Pattaya Bay is now a credit to the efforts of both Pattaya City and TAT.
Two challenges will take place in the Pattaya Bay; a 3.5
km swim from the Sea Rescue Unit near Bali Hai Pier and a 1 km from the Hard
Rock Hotel Pattaya; both swims will finish at the Dusit Thani Pattaya on
Chaba Beach in North Pattaya.
The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is the venue for the pre-race
ceremonies and activities. They will provide changing facilities and
refreshments to the swimmers and celebrities before the start of the short
swim.
Safety precautions were significantly upgraded last year
with many new enhancements. The Pattaya Sea Rescue team at Bali Hai laid
marker buoys across the bay to guide the swimmers. They also monitored the
contestants from their high speed rescue boats. The area was also patrolled
by a world class sea kayak team from the Regents School. The finish line was
clearly visible from the water with two tall towers of red balloons at the
Dusit Thani Pattaya beach.
All swimmers are welcomed ashore by a very caring team of
time keepers and volunteer police. They are given fresh towels, water and
presented with a special commemorative medallion and a hearty lunch provided
by the Dusit Thani Pattaya. Food and beverage services will be available to
spectators and supporters on Dusit Thani Pattaya Beach.
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya has negotiated a special
accommodation package for the swimmers and their family and friends at the
beautiful centrally situated boutique D2 Hotel.
The proceeds from the event will be used to finance
humanitarian projects serviced by the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya to
alleviate the suffering and needs of the underprivileged in our community
and elsewhere in the kingdom. One of our major ongoing projects is the
installation of pure drinking water in schools in rural areas.
The event will enjoy extensive press and media coverage,
which the swim attracts and which presents a very positive side of Pattaya
to the world-at-large.
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya has reported that they are
still taking registrations for the swim event.
For those who wish to join in the event or are
financially motivated to donate or sponsor please contact Brendan Kelly: 084
033 6296; Philip Wall Morris: 086 101 7165; or Dennis Stark: 087 050 4729.
