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--- Lane 9 News ---
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Blind Aussie Swimmer James Pittar Takes on Catalina Channel -- September 14, 2006
By Stephen J. Thomas
LONG BEACH, California, Sept 14. AROUND 11 p.m. tonight 36-year-old Sydney-based Australian James Pittar will set out with his support crew from Catalina Island to the mainland in an attempt to become the first blind Aussie to achieve the feat. The swim marks the final leg of Pittar's personal challenge to complete a marathon swim in six continents of the world which has included an English Channel crossing. Paddling alongside Pittar over the difficult journey will be elite swim coach Narelle Simpson who has provided support for Pittar in several of his previous marathon swims. Simpson, is better know for coaching Olympians Elka Graham and Michelle Engelsman over much shorter distances.
Before leaving Sydney, Pittar was asked about the twenty-odd mile swim that should take him approximately 13 hours depending on the kindness of the currents. He joked that at least swimming the majority of the race at night won't be a problem for him. His wife Jenny said. ”James does not like the politically correct term visual impaired, he often says to people I’m not visually impaired, I can’t see a thing.”
One of the main aims of his swim will be to raise awareness of The Fred Hollows Foundation (www.hollows.org). Professor Hollows died in 1992 but his foundation continues his great work in helping to save the eyesight of those suffering from cataract blindness in developing countries where most are too poor to afford the relatively simple operation.
Pittar aims to raise at least A$10,000 for The Fred Hollows Foundation, enough to help with 400 cataract operations, which can cost as little as $25 in some developing countries.
“I think the work The Fred Hollows Foundation does is terrific," Pittar said. "It's incredible that such a simple operation can allow people to see again. Although it is not relevant in my situation, the idea that you remove cataracts for such a small amount of money is amazing."
You can read more about Pittar's other swims at: www.freestyleman.com
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