Toongabbie father and son take on the ocean for people with
disabilities Toongabbie local, Ben Jackson and his 11-year-old son, Luke will take on the ocean on Sunday, 5 February as part of the Sydney Morning Herald's annual Cole Classic, Australia's largest ocean swim. This will be Ben's third year participating in the Cole Classic and young Luke's very first open water swim. They will be braving the waves from Shelly to Manly Beach to raise funds for Northcott Disability Services' swimming carnivals.
"Just because people have a disability that doesn't mean they can't do the same things we can," shared 11-year-old Luke."I really enjoy going to my own swimming carnivals to see my friends swim and cheer them on too. It's a great experience and everyone should be able to do it."
Northcott's swimming carnivals are held annually for primary and high school students with physical disabilities across NSW. Many schools rely on Northcott's swimming carnivals to provide children and young adults with a disability with the opportunity to participate in and
enjoy sport on a level playing field and in an accessible environment.
"There is a strong sporting culture in Australia and everyone, disability or no, should be given the opportunity to participate. That is exactly the purpose of Northcott's swimming carnivals and why Luke and I are swimming in the Cole Classic. We want to raise funds and be a part of
helping people with disabilities to celebrate their abilities in the water too," said Ben. "I actually work at Northcott's employment service, Jobmatch, where I have seen first-hand some of the great things Northcott does in terms of driving employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other support programs and initiatives, like the swimming carnivals."
Ben and Luke have been training hard for the one kilometer swim and are on their way to ready. Aquabliss, Seven Hills have provided sponsorship by letting father and son use their pool for free, and Real Time Promotions have also contributed to the cause, donating rashies to the two boys.
"We're looking forward to the challenge in February. Last year I swam in the competitive section which is very different to doing laps in a pool - the start is a free for all. This year, because my son wanted to also swim it, we have chosen to swim at the back of the pack. It's his first time
competing in open water, so we are concentrating on a strong finish rather than being time focused," continued Ben.
To sponsor Ben and Luke in the Cole Classic, and support the important work of Northcott Disability Services visit www.everydayhero.com.au/carnival_crew or call 02 9890 0954.
About Northcott Disability Services
Northcott Disability Services is a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to more than 10,000 children and adults living with a disability and their families and carers across NSW and the ACT.