Harriet Grant and Kaname Woodfield to swim 27km from Green Island to Yorkeys Knob
Two Masters Swimming Queensland Champions will make history as they ready to take on Australia’s equivalent of the English Channel to raise funds for a local charity.
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CAIRNS women Harriet Grant and Kaname Woodfield will swim 27km from Green Island to Yorkeys Knob later this year to raise funds for the AFL Cape York Foundation.
They will be the first women to officially complete the feat and are hoping to raise more than $5000 for Indigenous youth education for their efforts.
The pair have an unwavering focus on their training, which includes weekly totals of up to 40km each week, and say they’re trying to not think about the dangers of the journey.
“If the currents are strong we could end up swimming 30km,” said Ms Woodfield.
“Many people have mentioned crocodiles and sharks to me. I try not to think about it. It will be dark and cold so that will be enough of a mental challenge.”
An afloat support crew will accompany the duo and friends will even swim short distances alongside them.
Ms Grant said the importance of supporting an important cause is her greatest motivation.
“I’m swimming for Cape York AFL girls house, so that’s inspiring me to keep going,” she said.
“I grew up in Cairns so I’m doing it for a foundation that I know is giving back to the local community. The more (funds) we get, the more motivation there will be for us to complete it.”
Sean Hunter, boarding manager for AFL Cape York House for Girls, said the money will go towards academic support for the organisation’s students, such as personal tutoring.
“Any money raised … will go towards helping our young people,” he said.
“Seeing two really empowered females drives the aspirations for our young girls at AFL Cape York House … for them to be able to see two strong females set their mind to something, train for it and achieve it is a really powerful message.”
Marijn Kerkhoven completed the same feat last year, also raising funds for the AFL Cape York Foundation, and said he’ll be there to support the ladies’ efforts.
“They’ll get it done easily. If the weather conditions are better than what we had, I reckon they’ll beat our time,” he said.
Donations can be made by searching swimming the gap at mycause.com.au.
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Originally published as Harriet Grant and Kaname Woodfield to swim 27km from Green Island to Yorkeys Knob
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