UOW holds inaugural 'Big Five O'

Jun 07, 2007

Dark skies and a little drizzle did not deter participants from swimming in the inaugural 'Damien Israel Big Five O' held at the University pool today (Thursday 7 June).

Given its success, the event is set to become an important part of the UOW annual events calendar and will be held on the first Thursday of Winter.

Participants must swim a total of 50 laps. The laps are completed by swimming two laps in 1 min, 40 secs (or less), followed by a 20 second break, and then continuing with the swim.

Some participants 'strictly swam' while others used a variety of floaties, flippers and snorkels to complete their laps.

Such was the enthusiasm that spectators turned up to observe and cheer, while others have already nominated for the 2008 event.

Next year's Big Five O plans to be bigger and better with a charity set to be the beneficiary of the event.

"It was an outstanding event and all participants swam with gusto and enthusiasm," said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations), Professor John Patterson.

"And there is absolutely no truth to the rumour that the inaugural event was related to Damien Israel's age."