2008 COLE CLASSIC @ MANLY

Graham Cole was a keen ocean swimmer, regularly swimming and body surfing at Bondi Beach. In 1981 he traveled to Hawaii with a team from the Tattersals Club to swim in the Waikiki Roughwater. He returned with a desire to establish a similar event in Sydney, reasoning that Australian beaches and strong beach culture were deserving of such an event and that it should be open to all members of the community who had done the necessary training. In 1982 Graham wrote;

The event is not a race but a challenge to all persons to stretch themselves in body and mind to swim a reasonable distance through surf. It will, I hope, be an incentive to persons to involve themselves in the self-discipline required to get fit; obtain confidence in their ability through swimming, to achieve a pride in having performed something that is, perhaps slightly above average, and finally to receive (in the form of an appropriately prepared Certificate or medal) some recognition of their accomplishment.

In 1983 the first Cole Classic was swum with 101 swimmers participating. The event is now organised by Chris, Nick and Walter Cole together with Manly Life Saving Club and a team of dedicated volunteers.

Twenty five years later our focus is still the same as it was in 1982, but with some added objectives. The Cole Classic @ Manly aims to:

• Provide individuals with a swimming challenge. From the 1km Novice Challenge, through to the 2km Classic Challenge and the 10km Manly Swim Challenge there is a swim for people of all levels and abilities.
• Raise funds for the local surf life saving club who have a long & dignified history of volunteers patrolling the surf beach.
• Be an inclusive community event that not only involves the swimmers but also the partners, spouses & families of participating swimmers. We provide entertainment, food stalls, individually hand crafted prizes and the occasional photographic exhibition for all to enjoy.

When did the Cole Classic move to Manly?

The Cole Classic moved to Manly in 2005. Manly LS Club was the surf club where as a young man my father patrolled & was awarded his surf life saving bronze medallion. When we were invited to partner with the surf club there was a strong sense of returning to where it all started some sixty years ago.

The wonderful location at Manly Beach has allowed us to introduce the additional 1k Novice Challenge & 10k Manly Swim Challenge & see the event truly flourish.

Why do the Cole Family do this?

A few reasons, it is a memory of our father, his legacy & the lifelong enjoyment he had swimming in the ocean. We like to think the Cole Classic is making a small contribution to the sporting and cultural fabric of Sydney, a city fortunate enough to be located on one of the great coastlines of the world.

This year we have also created an online fundraising opportunity, which allows swimmers to raise funds for causes they care about. Being healthy, able-bodied people living in a affluent modern society, we have the responsibility and the capability to bring about change for the better. It is satisfying to be a part of the process.

Where does the money go?

The Cole Classic is a Non Profit Incorporated Association (rego number 9875068). Proceeds from the Cole Classic @ Manly go to Manly Life Saving Club.

When the Cole Classic first moved to Manly we pledged $25,000 to the surf club, we honoured that pledge and matched it again in 2006 and 2007. Last year we also managed to make a small donation to Bear Cottage, the children's hospice at Manly. In 2008 Manly LSC will continue to be the major beneficiary of proceeds from the Cole Classic *.

Whilst a few individuals providing specialised services to the event are salaried, the vast majority of people involved in organising the event (including the Cole family) are volunteers.

The challenge for the Cole Classic Committee each year is getting the balance right between producing a quality community event with all the festivities attached, and raising funds for Manly LS Club, it is a challenge we are dedicated to.

We hope you enjoy it.

Chris C.
Cole Classic @ Manly Founding Director

* The Cole Classic @ Manly is audited each year by accounting firm Brooks Dean & Powne, this information is available on request.