The head coach who trains an elite group of swimmers at Canterbury-Bankstown's pools will be diving in the deep end and swimming 40 kilometres for a cause close to his heart.
The head coach who trains an elite group of swimmers at Canterbury-Bankstown’s pools will be diving in the deep end and swimming 40 kilometres for a cause close to his heart.
Harlee Elite’s Alex Clarke, who along with his staff, coaches his squads from the pool deck at Revesby, Birrong and Roselands Leisure and Aquatic Centres, said he’s taking the plunge and leading by example to raise much-needed funds for Beyond Blue.
“We all know of family members, or people in the community, who have been affected by mental health,” Mr Clarke said.
“My day of pain in the pool is the least I can do, and it will never compare to what people go through when they lose a loved one to this illness.”
Mr Clarke will take to the water later this month and hopes to achieve the personal milestone by swimming the eight hundred laps of the Revesby pool between sunrise and sunset.
“It’s a bit of a self-challenge, but ultimately it’s about inspiring everyone through Beyond Blue to raise a voice and have those discussions,” Mr Clarke said.
Mr Clarke has been preparing for the big day with daily swims, cross fit sessions and runs in between his usual morning and evening coaching at the pools.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he was proud of Alex’s contribution and hoped to be poolside to cheer him on.
“Alex is a role model and an inspiration to hundreds of young swimmers in the community,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“He is an example of someone using their talents to help others.”
The ‘Making a Splash Beyond the Blue Line’ fundraiser event will take place at Max Parker Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Saturday 25 November. There will also be a barbeque, raffle, kids’ activities and live music.
All members of the community are invited to come along and lend their support. If you would like to donate, you can do so by going to the Beyond Blue fundraising page at fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/makingasplashbeyondtheblueline
To learn more about what is happening at Canterbury-Bankstown’s Leisure and Aquatic Centres, visit cb.city/LeisureAndAquatics