Swimmers will take the plunge in the first “Swim for theCure” at SMU this Saturday at the SMU pool.

Dallas Aquatic Master’s swim group, the second largestswim program in the United States, will host the half-day ofcompetitive and fun swim events. The fundraiser will benefit theSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. All of the money raisedthis Saturday will go to the Dallas Affiliate of theFoundation.

Jeff Zucker, a group swimmer and co-founder of “Swim forthe Cure,” conceived the idea about 10 years ago and thisSaturday that vision will be put into action.

The event opens at 6 a.m. to the general public and will featureformer Olympic swimmers, American record holders, performances bythe SMU diving team, a synchronized swimming show, a swimsuitfashion show and a silent auction.

There will be three races, beginning at 7 a.m., lasting an hour,30 minutes and 15 minutes. The goal is to swim the most laps in thetime category.

At 9:30 a.m. families and groups can participate in the swimrelay and at 10 a.m. the “I Can’t Swim” eventwill be held for anyone new to swimming.

Participants pay a $25 entry fee and are also encouraged toraise $100 each through pledges. Gifts will be given to the topfundraisers, the male and female who swim the most laps in eachtime category and to the relay team who swims the most laps.

The major sponsors include Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Belo,D&J Sports, American Airlines, Whole Foods and Starbucks. Withthe support of these sponsors DAM has been able to raise $10,000thus far.

With this start, coordinators see a bright future for”Swim for the Cure.”

The Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honorthe memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen. Since its inception, theFoundation has raised $600 million for breast cancer research,education, screening, and treatment.

To learn more about the group and “Swim for theCure” call (214) 219-2300.