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Swimming For A Cause
swimmer
Swimmer John Lane completed all 66 laps to finish the one mile swim Saturday in a fundraiser hosted at the Oakdale Aquatic Center. - photo by Photo Contributed

The Oakdale Aquatics Masters hosted a one mile charity swim on Saturday morning, Dec. 9. A wide range of swimmers packed the Oakdale Aquatic Center at Oakdale High School in the effort to raise money for the Fattal Foundation.

Last year, two swimmers from Oakdale Aquatics Masters were diagnosed with cancer. The swim group wanted to show support for their fellow teammates. They came up with the idea of a benefit swim to encourage patients undergoing cancer treatment and to remember those who have succumbed.

The event raised over $2,000 as swimmers from Oakdale, Sonora, Lodi, Tracy, Modesto and Walnut Creek came out to show their support. Each swimmer swam 66 laps in the pool to reach one mile. Swimmers ranged from 13 to 74 years old.

For swimmer Anita Peterson from Oakdale, the benefit swim held special meaning. Almost 30 years to the day, she was in an accident and was told she would never walk again. Saturday, she swam the mile in a new personal record time.

“She overcame a lot of adversity and pain to get to where she is at today. She has a positive attitude and resolve that is infectious” said Coach Ed Mageean.

 

Oakdale Aquatics Masters and California Gold Swim Team practice at Oakdale High School Monday through Friday throughout the year.