In addition to the free accommodations offer in Fiji for the Fiji Swims, David Handley, Founding Director of the Sculpture by the Sea, reminded us that the 18K swim in Fiji can be done in multiple ways: as a solo swimmer, as a duo swimmer, as a team of 5, as someone without a team who would like to be placed in a team of swimmers of similar abilities or as part of the most fun-filled Team Bollywood.

Team Bollywood’s goal is to complete the 18K relay with up to 12 teammates, enjoying themselves, the beautiful South Pacific ocean and the marine life.

David certainly has a unique way to combine pleasure with serious work.

He has also been working hard with 5-time Australian Olympic medalist Shane Gould, who grew up on Fiji and renowned coach Milt Nelms on the Shane Gould Fiji Community Drowning Prevention Program. As David explains, “In coming to the Fiji Swims, you will be helping the work of the Shane Gould Fiji Community Drowning Prevention Program which is working to reduce the high level of drowning in Fiji. Sadly, Fiji has a very high level of drowning among the local population, a problem which exists across the whole developing world. Shane Gould, her husband Milt Nelms and Fiji Swims have joined together to develop a program aimed at improving the aquatic skills of Fijians.

“We are presently working with the main teacher’s college in Fiji with the idea of the teachers becoming a source of information across the country. While you are in Fiji, you will hear more about the work we are doing. It’s not about producing champions, it’s about improving life skills.”

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones