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Apollo Beach Team's Swim-A-Thon To Be A Splash

Photo by MARY FERGUSON

Members of the Blue Wave swim team of Apollo Beach are, top row from left: Stephanie Williams, Taber Karppe, Sarah Ferguson, Shelby McConnell, Sarah Orvosh, Katie Orvosh, Melanie Curp, Jennifer Dyal and Sydnee Jones; seated from left are: Melissa Ferguson, Megan McGee, Daniella Curatelli, Angelina Curatelli, Faith Newcomb, Doug Williams and Brandon Barrett.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 18, 2008

APOLLO BEACH - With the scorching days of summer in full effect, a group of athletes will take to the water to raise money for their team.

The South Shore division of the Blue Wave swim team will host a swim-a-thon from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Apollo Beach Racquet and Fitness Club, 6520 Richies Way.

The fitness club is home to the team, which is an extension of the Blue Wave club based out of the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center.

The swim-a-thon was organized by Blue Wave swim coach Ryan Leech in order to raise money for much-needed competition equipment, including a digital wall timer and practice starting block.

"We really need the equipment so that our swimmers can be more competitive with other teams across Central Florida during our competitions," Leech said.

Members of the team, made up of swimmers age 6 to 18, are seeking South Shore-area sponsors to pledge from 10 cents to $1 per lap.

"We have a few sponsors lined up, but we're going to be on the look out for more," said Mary Ferguson, fundraising chairwoman. Ferguson has two daughters - Sarah, 12, and Melissa, 8 - on the team.

About 25 members of the team are scheduled to compete among themselves during the exhibition.

"I'm excited that we've got a larger team this summer than we've had for several years, and the kids are really eager to make a splash at competitions," Leech said.

Leech said the team hopes to raise about $2,500.

"If every swimmer gets a dozen or so sponsors to pledge, we should be able to make enough money to buy the equipment we need and have a little left over for some paddles and fins for swimmers who may not have them," Leech said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: South Shore Blue Wave swim-a-thon

WHERE: Apollo Beach Racquet and Fitness Club, 6520 Richies Way

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

ADMISSION: Free

INFORMATION, DONATIONS: (813) 641-2884 or (813) 928-1762

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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