ACS (Independent) students swim 450km to raise funds for fight against malaria

Story contributed by reader Fraser Peh

Participant Yvonne Mak swims against malaria. (Photo © Danny Toh)

ACS(Ind) Swimming Pool, Saturday, April 5, 2008 – Students of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) completed 9,520 laps (about 450km) and raised $7,109 as part of a global effort against malaria earlier this month.

The Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) Swim Against Malaria, organized by the school's Student Council, was sponsored by TYR and attracted about 300 students and teachers, including the principal Dr Ong Teck Chin, who swam 10 laps.

The event was part of World Swim Against Malaria 2008, in which an estimated one million people from all over the world swam together against malaria. Organised by the Against Malaria Foundation, this event aims to raise money to buy long-lasting insecticidal nets to prevent pregnant mothers and children in Africa from being bitten by malaria-carrying insects.

Representatives from the Singapore Book of Records were present to verify a new record was set for the most number of laps swum in 6 hours (from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) - a whopping 7026 laps.

Said Fraser Peh, a student councillor of ACS(Ind): “The Student Council felt that this was a meaningful event, especially since all the funds raised will benefit needy people who are not in our direct society. We also hope that this will inspire youths to rally together for good causes in the future.”