NICK DIPS HIS OAR IN

EVEN political types got involved in the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim last weekend.

Hinchinbrook MP for Katter’s Australian Party Nick Dametto may not have been swimming himself, but he put his muscles to the test in support of Anne Pleash, chief of staff to party boss Bob Katter.

Mr Dametto paddled a kayak to support Ms Pleash, who is planning to swim the English Channel.

“Participating in this year’s Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim has been a fantastic experience and I was more than happy to splash out in support of Anne,” Mr Dametto said.

“I haven’t paddled a kayak for years so was a little concerned about how I’d go in the open water, but the weather was picture perfect and it was brilliant to see so many people getting out and being active. Winning was on some competitors’ minds but most people were there for fun and to challenge themselves.”

Mr Dametto congratulated Ms Pleash on the swim and said he’d be cheering for her when she took on the English Channel.

“Young Matilda Gallagher from Normanton also deserves a special mention,” he said.

“Matilda completed her third Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim and was actually coached by Anne when she was a little girl at Normanton Swimming Club, so it was nice to see both of them competing together.”