An Unforgettable 24 Hours: Inside the MS Plus Canberra Mega Swim
The 2026 MS Plus Canberra Mega Swim was an incredible celebration of community, determination and heart, marking an incredible 15 years of the event bringing people together in support of people living with MS. Over 24 hours, 314 swimmers of all ages and abilities filled the pool with energy, colour and commitment, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of electric. 19 teams rallied together, first-timers pushed themselves further than they imagined, and returning swimmers brought the spirit and tradition that make this event so special. The passion on pool deck was matched only by the generosity of our fundraisers, who helped raise over $71,000 for people living with MS.
HOW IT WORKS
SHARE
Share your challenge and fundraise to support Aussies living with multiple sclerosis!
SWIM
Join us at the AIS on Saturday 1 August 2026 and SWIM TO FIGHT MS!
The MS Mega Swim is a fun, team relay event, where swimmers are sponsored by friends, family and colleagues to freestyle, backstroke, butterfly or doggy-paddle for 24 hours, whilst raising vital funds to support people living with MS.
Swimmers of all ages and abilities are welcome - swim one lap, or fifty, for ten minutes or four hours. Your team just needs to have one swimmer in the pool at all times.
And if you don't have a team, let us know and we'll team you up with some other amazing mega swimmers.
When a Community Comes Together, Magic Happens
This year’s event also showcased the extraordinary stories behind the swimmers, as we celebrated 15 years of the MS Plus Canberra Mega Swim bringing the community together — from long-standing teams who return year after year, to individuals swimming in honour of loved ones, to participants living with MS who dove in with courage and determination. The vibe was uplifting from start to finish, with music pumping, costumes shining, volunteers cheering, and teams celebrating every lap. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with purpose!
MEGA MERCHMEGA MERCH
Get your hands on the official 2026 MS Mega Swim merchandise and show the world that you’re part of this mega swim challenge to support people living with MS! Get in quick though, as merchandise is made to order and needs 2-3 weeks for production and delivery.
Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998, 3-time Paralympic Gold Medallist and 9-time Para-Cycling World Champion, Carol Cooke AM PLY has dedicated her working life to raising awareness and funds for MS.
In 2001, Carol founded the MS Mega Challenge program with a 24 Hour Mega Swim at the Fitzroy Pool in Victoria. The program has since expanded to over a dozen events across the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.
Nothing is impossible if we dare to face our fears and believe in ourselves. The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
Carol Cooke AM PLY
The events raise money for the MS Go for Gold Scholarship program - scholarships which enable people living with multiple sclerosis to follow a dream - and also fund the Plus Financial Assistance Program and services to directly benefit people living with multiple sclerosis.
MS Plus acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as the Traditional Owners and true sovereigns of the land now known as Canberra. We also acknowledge the significant contributions made by other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to life in Canberra. We pay our respects to Elders from all nations here today—and to their Elders past, present and future.
