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Swimmers Set to Take the Plunge at Swim Buzzards Bay, July 14Annual Fundraiser for The Coalition for Buzzards Bay Highlights Importance of Clean Water
June 29, 2007 CONTACT: The Coalition for Buzzards Bay (508) 999-6363, ext. 202
NEW BEDFORD, MA—Swimmers from Westport to Woods Hole and beyond are preparing to take the plunge for Buzzards Bay at the 14th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay, a 1.2-mile open-water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor, to be held July 14, 2007. The Swim is a the largest annual fundraising event held by The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a non-profit, community based organization dedicated to the restoration, protection, and sustainable use and enjoyment the Bay and its watershed. The Coalition is playing a key role in the appeal of a 2006 U.S. District Court decision that struck down large portions of the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act, rendering Buzzards Bay vulnerable to future oil spills. Money raised from the event will benefit advocacy efforts like this, as well as education, conservation, and research programs that work to protect the Bay's health. For more than a decade, hundreds of swimmers from ages 12 to 83 have proven that the Swim is for every age, ability, shape, size, and fitness level. The course draws serious competitors, first-timers, families, teams, and everyone in between. Mark Rasmussen, Executive Director of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is one of those first-time swimmers. After eight years on the beach welcoming hundreds of past swimmers out of the water, Rasmussen will join their ranks this year. "I'm very excited to be participating in this year's swim. I definitely won't be finishing at the front of the pack, but this event isn't about winning as much as it's about joining others to express how important a clean and healthy Bay is to all of us," he says. "And the biggest thing I hear every year from swimmers is how much fun they have doing it. If you're one of those people who have thought about doing the swim in the past, but have never gotten around to it, I hope you'll join me at the back of the pack this year." The Swim will start in New Bedford's south end at Davy's Locker beach and finish at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. The event is separated into two waves, the first for more accomplished swimmers and the second for swimmers who prefer to have a personal kayak escort. Wave 1 swimmers will hit the water at 7:15 AM, to be followed by wave 2 swimmers shortly after. An awards ceremony at the Fort Phoenix finish line will cap off the event at 9:00 AM. Prizes will be given out for fastest male, female, and team swimmers, as well as to top fundraisers. The public is welcome to cheer on the swimmers and join the finish line festivities. Registration is still open. The fee is $10 plus swimmers are asked to raise a minimum of $150 in sponsor pledges. All swimmers must register by 6:00 pm on July 12th. Rain date is August 4, 2007. For more information or to register, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org or call The Coalition for Buzzards Bay at 508-999-6363, ext. 202.
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