Scuba divers jumped into the New Year with a splash taking on a fit, fun and healthy Finathon challenge. What a great way to begin 2014. A Finathon (think of it as an underwater relay) is the perfect incentive to get fit, feel good and raise funds for your favorite ocean icon – the shark.
Night owls gathered together in Indonesia for Thalassa Dive Resort’s 12-hour Finathon. During the night, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., teams of six (48 swimmers total) swam for 30 minutes each. It was such a success that local students from the high school are already looking forward to the next event. With that Project AWARE wants to give a big thanks to Simone Gerritsen, and all the swimmers involved.
Other Finathon events:
During the holiday season, 13-year old Isabel Levin, USA, became a top individual Finathon fundraiser by choosing to swim as part of her Bat Mitzvah.
“Tikkun Olam means repairing the world,” she said. “I became interested in Project AWARE after I became a scuba diver last year and to help repair the world I chose swimming to end finning. I've always loved animals and the ocean, and this is a great way for me to get involved.” Congratulations to Isabel and all her amazing friends for choosing conservation!
In 2013 scuba divers clocked up almost 500 miles swimming to end finning. Thanks to all our Finathon champs around the world – how far we swim in 2014 is up to you. July is the official Finathon month but you can choose to host your event any time throughout the year to suit your weather or scuba calendar.
From fancy dress to wacky races or simply swim a mile with a smile, plan your own event at Finathon.org.
