By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON Burlington, ON—Aug. 30, 2012 – Burlington resident Michele Benoit who was scheduled to attempt a 45KM Lake Ontario crossing this summer has had to postpone until 2013. In an effort to raise awareness and funds for clean water in Africa, Benoit was scheduled to swim 45KM from Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines to Spencer Smith Park in Burlington on August 17, 2012. Severe, unfavorable weather and water conditions forced the swimmer to reschedule and re-plan for a new date.
“Open water swimming is one of the most unpredictable sports around due to the reliance on the conditions” says Benoit. “You can plan and be completely prepared to attempt a crossing, but if the weather and water do not cooperate, it’s completely out of your control”.
Lots of pool time this winter for Michele Benoit as she turns her energy and determination to being ready for a 2013 attempt to swim from Port Dalhousie to Burlington as a fund raising event for Waves for Water, a charity that wants to build systems in Africa that will provide fresh water.
And this is what Ms. Benoit has had to accept. “I have done everything possible to make my attempt for 2012 but between unfavorable conditions and unavailability of boats and crew at the end of the season, I have to set my sights on next year.”
With the water and the air getting a lot colder now, the focus will be on a new year of training, planning and continuing to raise awareness and funds for clean water in undeveloped countries. “I will be back in 2013 strong, ready and determined to raise as much money as I can for clean water in Africa. “
Ms. Benoit started Waves for Water to help those in need. Her choice to do a swim of this magnitude was to raise awareness and funds and spread the message of ‘Making Waves for Water’ big or small. “This swim has never been about Benoit – it was about how an event can champion a cause”. A new date will be announced in the Spring of 2013.
Maybe Burlington will be able to stand on the pier and watch Benoit arrive at the small beach to the west of the pier currently under construction. The city still talks of it being “open” in the spring of 2013 and if the weather holds that just might be possible.
“I would like to thank my family, my team and everyone who was so incredibly supportive,” Benoit said. “Be ready! I plan to return next year for a successful crossing!”
