Make a Splash for Ronald McDonald House, says Brenda Donohue
Launches NAC McSwim Charity Gala at National Aquatic Centre- Packed day of activities including two swim galas, synchronised swimming, diving exhibition and water polo match
- Leading international athlete, Derval O’Rourke and Ronald McDonald to present medals and prizes
- Live online webcast invites public donations
- Entry and parking is free of charge
Dublin, Ireland, Tuesday, 22nd February 2011: RTE Broadcaster and Patron of the Ronald McDonald House (RMHC), Brenda Donohue today called on the public to make a splash for the children’s charity, as she launched the NAC McSwim on behalf of the NAC Swim Club. Taking place on Sunday, 27th February at the National Aquatic Centre, the NAC McSwim charity gala will have many aquatic disciplines on display including a “Mini Minnows” gala for novices, a short course gala for more experienced swimmers, a synchronised swimming and diving display as well as a hotly contested water polo match.
Commenting on the launch, Brenda Donohue said: “As Patron of the Ronald McDonald House, it’s great to see the kids from the NAC Swim Club and swimming community at large come together to run this terrific event in an effort to raise money for such a deserving charity. The NAC McSwim will be a great fun day out for young and old.”
Leading international athlete, Derval O’Rourke will be on hand to award the prizes for the prestigious, Dave Malone perpetual trophy in the 100m freestyle event while Ronald McDonald will present the prizes for the “Mini Minnows” gala. The entire day’s proceedings will be streamed live to the club’s website at www.nacswimclub.com, where online donations from the public are also invited.
“The Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation, care and support for families from all over Ireland when their children are seriously ill in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin,” explains Marian Carroll, CEO of RMHC. “Our annual running costs are in excess of €300,000 and we could not continue to provide this facility without the generosity of organisations like the NAC Swim Club and their families and friends. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all the entrants every success on the day and we look forward to meeting you all on the 27th February.”
The NAC Swim Club, a self-funded and independent sporting organisation has a vibrant club structure and helps swimmers of all abilities and disabilities to fulfill their potential at club, provincial, national and international level. “This is a great occasion for the club and a great opportunity for us and the swimming community to give something back to families who find themselves in difficulty,” comments Alec Colvin, NAC Swim Club chair. “Our NAC McSwim is an aquatic celebration and we invite members of the public and their families to drop in, soak up the wonderful atmosphere and experience first-hand the buzz and excitement of aquatic disciplines.”
Admission to view the NAC McSwim is free for members of the public and runs from 8.30 am until 6.00pm. Parking is also provided free of charge at the National Aquatic Centre.
Ends
About the NAC Swim Club
Founded in 2004, the NAC Swim Club, based at the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown is a non-profit, independent sporting organisation operating under the auspices of Swim Ireland. Its mission is to provide a secure and professional environment in which children and young adults can perform to their best of their ability and fulfil their potential at club, provincial, national and international level. The coaching staff is led by Sydney Paralympic Gold Medallist, David Malone, one of the country’s most successful Paralympic athlete ever. The coaching team includes double Olympian Kevin Williamson as well as Geoff Gilhooly and Hayley Burke, both swimmers of national and international distinction. The club is also home to a number of disabled athletes, who regularly compete at national and international meets. For more information, visit us at: www.nacswimclub.com
###
