February 13, 2025

Aquagirls are swimming for MS in September

By Jocelyn Sheets

The Newton/Colfax-Mingo/Pella Aquagirls chose Swim for MS as their community service project in 2014. The swim team has set a goal of 50,000 laps to swim during practice session in September to raise money for the charity. (Kim Bunker)

NCMP’s Aquagirls and those who are affiliated with multiple sclerosis will benefit from the team’s Swim for MS project. The team members get into better condition while raising funds for the charity.

“We’re going after 50,000 laps as a team to raise $1,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America,” said Rachel Prendergast, senior member of the NCMP swim team. “We began taking pledges in August but in the month of September is when we’re starting our lap count.”

The Aquagirls swim laps every day in practice as conditioning for their competitions. They are incorporating their lap work into raising money for the charity to help people dealing with multiple sclerosis.

NCMP has one home regular meet on Sept. 11. The team will hold a benefit night during the the swim meet with Des Moines Roosevelt and West Des Moines Dowling Catholic at the Newton YMCA. Prendergast said the team is asking for donations that night.

“I’m proud of Rachel for taking the leadership on this project. It is a great way for our girls to raise awareness for MS and to work for a greater cause,” said Sarah Patterson, NCMP head coach.

Prendergast, who has two family members suffering with MS, said she saw Swim for MS on television then went to the Swim for MS website to gather information on it. She said Newton High Athletic Director Scott Garvis is always encouraging athletic teams to participate in community service projects.

“At our intrasquad scrimmage, we had relays for MS, where members of team families and others paid $5 each to participate in special relays. The NHS cross country girls got involved in that. Everyone had a good time,” Prendergast said. “We are the first team in Iowa to do the Swim for MS.”

Donations may be made in cash or check — made out to Swim for MS — given to members of the swim team or coaches. Prendergast said people may donate online at the Swim for MS website by searching for NCMP Aquagirls

Contact Sports Editor Jocelyn Sheets at (641) 792-3121 Ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com..