On Sunday February 29, Different Strokes Swim Team (DSST), San Diego’s inclusive GLBT Masters swim team, held their 13th annual Bart Hopple Memorial Swim. Twenty-one swimmers swam as many laps as possible in one hour and when the time was up, the team swam 67,530 yards, equaling over 38 miles.

In 1991, DSST ran its first Bart Hopple One Hour Memorial Swim to honor its co-founder, Bart Hopple, who passed away due to complications stemming from AIDS. The objective of this event was for individual team members to compete as many lengths of the pool as possible in a continuous one hour swim. Each year, team members collect pledges from family and friends, who donate money on a per length or lump sum basis.

Hopple is remembered as a funny, energetic tri-athlete who was always ready for his next challenge. This swim provides an opportunity for current team members and members of the community to continue his legacy. Every year, volunteers from Front Runners help to time and record the yardage achieved by each individual swimmer.

This year, on April 25, over $4,000 in checks were handed out to beneficiaries: Condoms NOW!, Afabi Tijuana and Auntie Helen’s Fluff ‘n Fold. Members of Front Runners San Diego volunteered their time to count laps. A potluck followed the swim.

Established in 1985, DSST welcomes swimmers of all ages and skill levels. DSST is committed to bringing a healthy and fun alternative for GLBT San Diego/Tijuana communities through its outstanding workouts, coaching and social activities. For information about DSST please visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the DSST website.

-Press release