Pete Rossen (second from right) with his fellow swimmers and support crew
Pete takes on Rottnest Channel Swim
Royal Life Saving WA is extremely proud of staff member Peter Rossen, who is taking part in this weekend’s Rottnest Channel Swim with his team “Rumble Applecrumble”. Pete and his team are raising funds for the important work of Down Syndrome WA.
Pete, who has Down Syndrome, has worked with Royal Life Saving WA since completing a work experience placement in 2013. He was such a great help, and we loved working with him, so he was offered employment at our Mount Claremont office.
Pete’s mum, Sally, says his participation in the Rottnest Channel Swim has been a long time coming! “Living close to Cottesloe Beach and being involved in the local North Cottesloe Surf Club as part of a Nippers and an adapted surf lifesaving program since a young age, Pete has watched his family and close friends join the swim as paddlers, swimmers or support crew to Rotto over many years. The excitement and spectacle of so many people on the beach at sunrise is a huge draw card. Pete loves to swim in the ocean and likes to have an adventure booked with friends in his calendar, so we thought ‘why not!?!’”
One of the other members of the team, Anna Gray, also has Down Syndrome and is a long time friend of Pete’s. The pair have been training together at West Coast Swimming Club for 11 years and are both keen swimmers. The other two members of the team Kate Forrester and Emilie Stockwell are both experienced Rotto swimmers.
Sally says they chose to raise funds for Down Syndrome WA to help others enjoy the active lifestyle Pete enjoys. “We want to help raise awareness of how a great team of support can enable people with Down Syndrome to participate in events such as the Rotto Swim and realise their dreams! The funds will go towards funding a family support officer who provides support and encouragement to families of babies and children with Down Syndrome.”
The Team’s had amazing success in their fundraising efforts so far, already surpassing their goal to raise $2000 dollars, but we’d like to help them take their fundraising to the next level. You can get behind Pete and his team by donating at the link below.
