Pupils participating in swimming events for a charitable cause
Swim for a Cause: The 2nd Sponsor Swim at Malente-Gremsmühlen School
Let's dive right into the tale of selflessness and camaraderie! Nearly 70 students from Malente-Gremsmühlen school took part in the 2nd Sponsor Swim, a heartwarming initiative led by class 8c. This cold water plunge was more than just a swim - it was a splash of compassion for a worthy cause!
Gathered alongside their energetic teachers Corinna Ritter-Delvendahl, Tim Ziplinsky, Rafael Wieczorek, Kerstin Klamann, school social worker Nils Dummer, and intern Lars Lenger, the students, adorned in vibrant red swim caps, prepared to conquer 100 meters of the frigid 17-degree Dieksee water. Jan Delvendahl and Lukas Jahrmärker paddled alongside them in a kayak, offering moral support and a safety net.
Five years ago, the first Sponsor Swim raised around 1,000 euros to strengthen class bonds, and this time marked a new era. The funds collected would now go directly to charitable causes. Leading the charge were Nyla (13) and Linn (14), who shared that their class had unanimously decided to donate the proceeds to the hospice at Wohld in Gettorf, providing support to seriously ill children and young people.
The students bravely approached businesses, companies, and organizations on Bahnhofstraße for sponsorship, promising two cents per swum meter. Their efforts were met with an encouraging response, as Nyla and Linn reported. Not only did they gather support from corporations like "b. KERAMIK AM SEE", "Fünf-Seen-Fahrt", and friends of the school, but also from countless individuals who generously contributed towards the cause.
Their determination woke up the city, as they paraded through town with a large poster advertising the Sponsor Swim. Swim master Rainer Coen was waiting for them at the beach bath, cheering them on.
One student, Khaled, a 13-year-old refugee from Yemen, participated in the swim, proudly emerging from the water. "He only learned to swim last year, and was insistent on joining today," beamed Corinna Ritter-Delvendahl.
Hailing from Ukraine, a small team of four - Nikita, Jaroslav, Maksym, and Danil - also took part, contributing to the powerful wave of change. As the day concluded, the Sponsor Swim had once again raised an impressive 1,000 euros, which will be generously donated to the children's hospice.
As Nyla and Linn gazed hopeful eyes into the future, they Announced plans for a similar action next year - a swim and hike day, aiming to make another splash in the world of compassion!
[1] Martin House Children's Hospice: https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/
[3] Martin House Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal: https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/kids/our-services/therapies/hydrotherapy-pool-appeal/
[4] Oceans 8 Charity Swim: https://www.oceans8charityswim.org/
In the spirit of selflessness and camaraderie, the students at Malente-Gremsmühlen school, who are deeply invested in education-and-self-development and sports, are planning to organize a hike day next year for another splash of compassion, following their successful Sponsor Swim fundraiser. The funds from both events aim to support children in need, such as the Martin House Children's Hospice. Additionally, they hope to also contribute to the Martin House Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal and are inspired by charitable initiatives like the Oceans 8 Charity Swim.
