The 13th Annual Snapple Swim-O-Thon starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Magens Bay, Shed #2.
The event, sponsored by the St. Thomas Swimming Association Inc., will have added excitement this year, as the organization's 12-year project to construct a community pool for the islands is nearing completion.
Kathy Huttel, the Swimming Association's executive director, said she was "thrilled to report that construction began on Jan. 20." Construction of the pool, itself, should be completed this month, but the necessary infrastructure, including water, lockers, parking and other necessities, is needed before the doors can be opened, she said.
And that is the goal of this year's Swim-O-Thon. Huttel is calling all island swimmers to enter the meet, individuals, as well as teams. And, according to the number of teams already signed up, it looks like you'll hardly be able to see the water for the swimmers.
The competing teams include the Ulla Muller "Mullets," VI Montessori "Manta Rays," Eudora Kean "Devil Rays," Lockhart Swimmers, Antilles "Hurricanes," STSA "Stingrays," 1st VI Federal Savings Bank "Screaming Dollars, "WVWI Radio One Waves," Banco Popular "Stingrays"and many individual competitors.
The challenge is to complete as many 50-meter lengths in one hour's time as possible. Sponsors may pledge an individual or a team, with pledges per length.
The Swimming Association has received generous community support for the project, including Magens Bay Concession which will provide food for all preregistered swimmers. Bellows International Ltd., distributors of Snapple, which sponsors the event, will provide the drinks.
WVWI Radio One will be on hand throughout the day with live reports, and "Baby,"of Magens Bay Concessions, will keep the beat as DJ of the day. There will be raffles for all, swimmers or not, with winners announced at 4 p.m.
Since 1986, the St. Thomas Swimming Association, a nonprofit organization, has helped more than 9000 local residents, mainly children between the ages of two and 18, in a variety of programs including Learn to Swim, Swim Team and Aquatic certifications.
To register for the event, call Kathy Huttel at (340) 779-2500.