LAP it UP has made a splash for Youth Live4Life raising $38,926.
The fitness and fundraising challenge encourages people to swim laps for youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention in rural and regional communities.
This year’s event on November 20 saw an incredible 25,028 laps made – that’s 625 kilometres!
Youth Live4Life CEO Bernard Galbally congratulated all LAP it UP swimmers on their participation.
“LAP it UP has been an incredible success,” he said.
“The funds raised help us reach, support and improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people living in rural and regional communities through our award-winning Live4Life initiative.
“LAP it UP embodies Youth4Life’s goal of empowering young people to speak up and seek help when needed.”
In 2018, father and daughter team, Sean and Kirsten McKinney, hosted an event at their local Gisborne pool with the aim to run a continual relay and swim 2866 laps (2866 being the number of Australians that suicided in 2017). More than 5500 laps were swum on the day.
After two years of pandemic lockdowns, Woodend-based health promotion charity Youth Live4Life was passionate about continuing the McKinney’s legacy.
Swimmers from across Australia were encouraged to participate and Live4Life partnered with two community pools in Macedon Ranges, the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Gisborne Aquatic Centre.
Youth Live4Life fundraising and marketing manager, Cheryl Eyssens, said it was inspiring to witness participants from all over the country, striving for their very best both in and out of the water to support youth mental health.
“We are so grateful to all who participated and supported LAP it UP and we look forward to a bigger and better event in 2023,” she said.
