YK Pao School’s fourth annual 'Founder's Challenge' was held on June 18. Attended by over 300 swimmers and volunteers from Pao School, the Starwalker swim team and the Rainbow Mama Workshop, all participants took the plunge on this very important occasion to support children with autism.
This theme, ‘swim for love,’ encapsulates the meaning and purpose for this year’s Founder’s Challenge, an annual Pao School tradition. Pao School students and teachers, along with a group of Special Olympics athletes, took to the pool in order to raise funds for athletes from Starwalker swim team and the Rainbow Mama Workshop, organisations for children with autism.
All swimmers were in high spirits on the morning of the event, as evidenced by their spectacular performances over an intense, eight-hour day of competition. Distance covered by the over 200 swimmers far exceeded the 100,000 meter goal, with Pao School Co-Founder Mr Philip Sohmen himself contributing over 4000 metres. All participants enjoyed healthy competition and were happy knowing they had helped others in a very important cause.
Thanks to the hard work of all participants, a total of 28,200 CNY was raised at the Founder’s Challenge, with all proceeds going toward swimming education, expenses for future events and construction of basic facilities for the athletes of the Starwalker swim team and the Rainbow Mama Workshop. In contrast with monetary donations, this experience was far more meaningful for both fundraisers and recipients. Participating athletes not only enjoyed a day of sport – they also experienced a joy in compassion and helping others, both of which are important aspects of Pao School’s character education.
Check out the interviews from the event by our Year 9 students!
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