The German European School Manila (GESM) is pleased to announce the upcoming 24-HOUR SWIM MARATHON, scheduled to take place from January 18 to 19, 2024 at the Eurocampus. This event marks the 70th anniversary of German-Philippine Diplomatic Relations in 2024, the first of seven planned throughout the year by the school. The 24-Hour Swim Marathon aims to raise funds for GESM's partner charity organization, Children of the Dump Manila, supporting the education and livelihood of families around Metro Manila’s largest dumpsite.
The school community – parents, students, teachers – try to swim as many 25-meter laps in the campus pool as possible within a 24-hour window from Jan 18 to 19. Prior to this, sponsors pledge an amount for charity for each lap swum. The amount can be as small as PHP 0.25/lap to PHP 10.00/lap. The more laps swum, the larger the donation.
The event's success in 2023 sets a challenging target for participants this year. Last year’s record of 6,644 laps generated a whopping PHP 647,919.- for charity.
“This is not only fun to do, but a great exercise in community building,“ said GESM Head of School Christoph-Boris Frank. “The way the total amount of donation is determined – based on the total laps swum and by putting together all the countless small donations – emphasizes the collective effort needed to make a positive impact.“
As a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, GESM commits to numerous causes, of which education for the underprivileged is just one aspect. For all and any social engagement project, the school involves its students – a lot of times even its preschoolers as young as three.
“One can never be too young to learn charity,“ added Frank.
GESM welcomes anyone interested in helping in their cause. To register as a swimmer and/or as a donor, individuals or groups may register via this link.
For more info, please download the EVENT KIT via this link.
