PAUL BOWEN CREATES SWIM FOR LIFE T-SHIRT DESIGN.

Internationally-known artist Paul Bowen has created the original design for the 2006 Swim for Life t-shirt, poster and brochure. The striking image shows the silhouette of a swimmer in a red sea, with SWIM 06 scratched onto the bottom of the piece. The t-shirts will be printed on black for a dramatic presentation, and will be available through the Swim for Life or at the AIDS Support Group summer storefront at 173 Commercial Street. The 19^th Annual Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla is set for Saturday, September 9 at the Boatslip Resort (www.swim4life.org).

Bowen was born in Wales and attended the Maryland Institute of Art before arriving in Provincetown in 1977 as a fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center. His wood sculptures and constructions are legendary, from monolithic, outdoor pieces to delicate, wispy wall assemblages. He was a familiar presence on the sand flats and beaches of town gathering his materials until his recent relocation to bucolic Vermont, collecting all things wood – weathered, salt-soaked and sun-bleached – the detritus of boat wrecks, storms and people’s broken dreams.

The Swim for Life benefits the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, Helping Our Women, Outer Cape Health Services, Cape & Island Gay Straight Youth Alliance,  Provincetown Rescue Squad and the Lower Cape Ambulance Association. Business sponsors for this year to date include: The Provincetown Banner, Mike’s Movies/Boston, Paul Mitchell, The Boatslip, and Far Land Provisions.

The Swim for Life is sponsored in part by the Provincetown Tourism Fund and the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is produced by the Provincetown Community Compact, Inc. Swimmers, kayakers, volunteers and support boats are welcome. Wet suits are loaned free for those who need them. For pledge forms and volunteer, Pool Swim for the harborly-challenged, or Provincetown Harbor Lights information, or to make a contribution, contact: thecompact@comcast.net, 508 487-1930, www.swim4life.org, or write, Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla, P.O. Box 819, Provincetown, MA 02657.

                        SWIM FOR LIFE TO BENEFIT

 RESCUE SQUAD AND LOWER CAPE AMBULANCE. 

The Swim for Life, begun as an AIDS fundraiser in 1988, has, over the years, expanded its  beneficiaries in recognition of the full range of services needed to provide for the well being of the community. This year the Provincetown Rescue Squad and the Lower Cape Ambulance Association will receive proceeds from the 19^th annual event, set for September 9. The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (formerly the Provincetown AIDS Support Group) is the primary beneficiary, with Helping Our Women and Outer Cape Health Services added in 1998, and Cape & Island Gay Straight Youth Alliance in 2004.

The Provincetown Rescue Squad has legendary status in the community – important to a town 50 miles from the Cape Cod Hospital emergency room. Provincetown is fortunate to still have highly trained rescue squad volunteers, many struggling to remain in the community due to high housing costs. From the first Swim for Life the Rescue Squad has been at the finish line, along with the Swim for Life volunteer medical team, to handle hypothermia or any medical emergencies. They were honored with the David Asher Volunteer Award at the 2001 fundraiser.

The Lower Cape Ambulance Association, although less visible in the community, provides the 911 backup response to the Rescue Squad for multiple trips to Hyannis.

The Swim for Life is committed to fostering a sense of community by supporting these vital services. It is this strong sense of interdependence and community that draws people from across the country to participate in this quintessential Provincetown event.

Business sponsors for this year to date include: The Provincetown Banner, Mike’s Movies/Boston, Paul Mitchell, The Boatslip, and Far Land Provisions. The Swim for Life is sponsored in part by the Provincetown Tourism Fund and the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is produced by the Provincetown Community Compact, Inc. Swimmers, kayakers and support boats are welcome. Wet suits are loaned free for those who need them. For pledge forms and volunteer, Pool Swim for the harborly-challenged, or Provincetown Harbor Lights information, or to make a contribution, contact: thecompact@comcast.net, 508 487-1930, www.swim4life.org, or write, Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla, P.O. Box 819, Provincetown, MA 02657.