Dale Petranech, Honorary Secretary of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame announced a fund-raising initiative to support another 50 years of open water swimming excellence.

“After over 50 years of a highly cooperative and supportive relationship with the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame decided to formalize its structure as a non-profit organization and become responsible for its own finances,” explained Dale who has worked tirelessly for four decades.

“We felt we should become an independent organization and do not feel it would be appropriate to request or expect the International Swimming Hall of Fame to meet the financial burdens that should be met by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame will continue to be an affiliate organization to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, but International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame will now be responsible for meeting its own financial burdens including promoting history’s greatest marathon swimmers, pilots, coaches and administrators and hosting an annual awards banquet.”

To meet its basic needs, a Special Start Up fund drive has a goal of US$25,000 to cover the one year of operation. “We are looking for major contributions, if possible, but a donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated. Because we are a recognized Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, our American contributors may be able to claim their donation as a tax exemption when filing their federal tax return.”

For more information, visit International on Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame website over the next few weeks.

See what is in store for the community by participating in the International on Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame website induction ceremonies to be held in the Delegate Room in the United Nations Building on June 19th.

Photo shows Greta Andersen finishing one leg of her historical two-way 42-mile crossing of the Catalina Channel in October 1958 in 26 hours and 53 minutes.

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