Charity dip

Medecins Sans Frontieres organises second 'Swim Burj Al Arab' on Friday

Dubai, the city that cares, has increasingly become a hub for charity organisations. Among the many that use this city as a base, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has become one of the most visible and dynamic, encouraging people to give more than just their money.

After all, how often does a charity event involve a dip in the clear, blue sea around a national landmark?

MSF is organising its second "Swim Burj Al Arab" in Dubai on Friday, October 4, as part of the Jumeirah International Big 3, which is a set of three annual events organised jointly by MSF and Jumeirah International.

Based on last year's enormous success, MSF has geared up for a lot more participants, but places are still limited.

Nic Woodthorpe-Wright, MSF volunteer and global customer logistics manager, DHL, said: "Over the years, MSF has successfully organised second-hand book bazaars, story-telling sessions, and even a bowl of rice and water event.

"Personally, being involved in a lot of triathlon sporting events, the idea to swim around the Burj just came to me last year. So, we contacted Jumeirah International, and they were equally enthusiastic and willing."

Wright had set a target of Dh10,000, and was completely swept away by the staggering Dh71, 418 that the event generated.

Speaking about last year's event, a smiling Wright said: "It's a one kilometre swim around the Burj, and most people finished it in half an hour. There was even a three-year old child taking part, who received enormous cheer and applause when he finished."

This year, using Wright's basic idea, Louise Hemming, public relations manager, MSF, decided to take the event to another level.

"This year we have managed to make it competitive for individuals and corporate teams. There is a non-competitive family swim also, and children have to be accompanied by an adult," said Hemming.

The participants register beforehand for a nominal amount, and then obtain sponsorship for the actual swim.

"In 2001, I decided to participate at the last minute, but it was so exhilarating. Which is why, this year I have postponed a trip to Australia just so I could finish the swim before I go. I believe that people often need a platform to do things.

"When large-scale events such as this generate interest within the communities, it speeds up the process of help for people across the world who rely on affluent societies like ours," said Jeremy Hodgson of Desert Landscape.

Having managed to gather 173 swimmers last year, MSF hopes to accommodate around 400 this year. "This year we are hoping to touch Dh100,000," said an optimistic Wright.

Unilever, Sharjah Women's College, The Fairmont Dubai, Dubai Country Club, Mastercard, DHL and many more corporates have already signed up their teams.

With the help of the Wild Wadi lifeguards, MSF has guaranteed a safe and secure environment for all participants and their supporters.

"For the first swim, we had 10 lifeguards manning the whole event, which took under an hour. There were some in the water and some around the building. But this year, it will probably be more since the number of swimmers is also higher," informed Chris Perry, operations manager, Wild Wadi.

Hemming believes that events such as these involve enormous team-effort. MSF relies heavily on their volunteers and supporters who come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

"With MSF, we try to encourage a sense of global awareness, and emphasise our campaign motto which is 'One world. Please share it'.

"However, none of this would be possible if Jumeirah International had not stepped in to cover all the costs, and it is the diverse communities here that make our events a success. The credit goes to all those who will be coming down on October 4, at seven in the morning, to swim around that magnificent landmark," said Hemming.

Wright suggests that if you cannot participate, at least be there to support and cheer the courageous ones who will.

"The swim is definitely a unique event to get involved in. The Burj Al Arab is known worldwide, and imagine telling people you actually swam around it. This is the perfect opportunity to make yourself feel good, while actually making a difference in the world. So, even if you can just float or do the doggy-paddle, come and join in," he added.

But MSF does not intend to stop at the Burj. They have begun planning other events that will give people an opportunity to test their own fitness and resilience, along with helping a good cause.

"This event is a part of the Big 3‚ that includes annual events organised by MSF and Jumeirah International jointly. Besides the swim, there is the Vertical Marathon in May, in which individuals and corporate teams accept the challenge to climb the 1,306 stairs at Emirates Towers Hotel.

"We are also planning a third one at Wild Wadi, which might include a duck race for families," said Bassem Al Tehkawi, public relations manager, Jumeirah International.

He also mentioned that, as a special treat, Wild Wadi is expected to open an hour earlier on the day of the swim, and will offer a discounted rate to all MSF swimmers and their entourage.