Sunshine Swim Outlaps Expectations

Cancer impacts so many people, from family and friends, local community members, to our swimming community not without its own challenges. With that in mind, Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club (YMSC) Secretary Renee Cox suggested participating in a cancer fundraiser to help raise some funds while swimming laps during training. As a committee, the Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club loved the idea but were drawn to supporting something local, with many larger events already getting national support.  

Many locals in the district have been impacted by cancer and have been treated at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre which provides cancer support and services for patients and their families.  The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust (AWRCCT) already has some major fundraising events including the Sunshine Walk and the Sunshine Ride.  

 Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club President Dario Prighel in association with the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is currently organising the Sunshine Charity Golf Classic at the end of May. Having not had a swimming event previously organised, it was decided to raise money for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust (AWRCCT) with the launch of the inaugural Sunshine Swim. 

 The aim was for the swimming community to raise funds throughout February by sourcing lap sponsors and/or direct donations to the AWRCCT. Swimming could be done anyway and anywhere from laps swum at training through to those preferring social swimming. The event was open to anyone wishing to participate and we had participants swimming from across the district. Swimming caps were produced and available for sale, following the Sunshine theme of yellow. 

 The Ovens & Murray District Swimming Association (OMDSA) quickly offered their support to the cause by donating a kickoff sum of $1000, promoting it to their member clubs as well as offering to include a relay event at their season ending relay championships at Corowa. The Sunshine Swim Relay event was decided as the perfect way to end the month-long fundraiser. 

 Everyone who purchased a swim cap was eligible to enter the Sunshine Swim Relay. 64 entrants participated on the day with ages ranging from 5 and to 74, many who swam in honour of loved ones currently or previously impacted by cancer, some who were being treated at the Centre. To promote inclusivity relay teams were not club based, instead individuals were randomly allocated a lane. The team that finished in first place were awarded vouchers donated by Nicole from Ashley Grace Swimwear. 

 YMSC and OMDSA President Dario Prighel said “Whilst we are awaiting a final figure, the event raised around $7,500 for the trust which far exceeded our expectations. Renee Cox put in a massive amount of effort in such a short time to get this up and running and most of the credit should be directed her way. I am hoping that next year’s event will have a committee comprising OMDSA member clubs to spread the workload, enhance and surpass this year’s event and ensure the project’s continuity. Hopefully it will become as prestigious as the Sunshine Walk and Sunshine Ride”. 

 Anne-Marie Humphries, Treasurer of the AWRCC Trust, expressed the Trust’s gratitude for the support from the Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club and the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association. “We were incredibly grateful for this partnership,” said Humphries. “The funds raised will make a real difference in providing vital cancer services and support to families in our region.” 

 Renee Cox looks forward to the 2026 Sunshine Swim, encouraging everyone to participate. “We are already planning for 2026, and with the success of this inaugural event, we aim to make it even bigger and better!” 

  

Photo: Sunshine Swim Relay Entrant 5-year-old Lila McCall swam for her honour of her 2 grandparents who are currently receiving treatment at the Cancer Centre