COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Last Friday, National Team Member and Olympic Gold medalist, Conor Dwyer made a special visit to the swimmers of Rose Bowl Aquatics in Pasadena, California. The visit was a result of the athletes’ support and vast contributions to the USA Swimming Foundation’s Swim-a-Thon™ contest. The team raised a record setting $122,266, earning the personal visit from Dwyer.
“Having an Olympic Gold medalist like Conor Dwyer speak to the swimmers at Rose Bowl Aquatics is a way for us to show our appreciation for their outstanding fundraising work for both their team and the USA Swimming Foundation,” said Debbie Hesse, Executive Director of the USA Swimming Foundation. “We are so proud of all the Swim-a-Thon™ clubs and grateful for their efforts to give back to our mission of saving lives and building champions.”
After an introduction by head coach and former National Team member, Jeff Julian, Dwyer spent some time talking with the rising stars about his journey and the determination it takes to make it to the top.
“His message of never giving up on your dreams, especially when things don’t seem to be going your way, is such a valuable message for all of our swimmers,” said Rose Bowl Aquatics head coach, Jeff Julian.
After posing for pictures with the team and coaches, the Olympic Gold Medalist met with a smaller group of swimmers who individually raised $1,000 or more for the Swim-a-Thon™ fundraiser. He conducted one on one meet and greets, signing autographs and took pictures with the exceptional Rose Bowl swimmers.
“It was such a pleasure to have Conor on deck with us. The swimmers were beyond excited when they heard he was going to be there. Thank you to the USA Swimming Foundation for making this possible for our swimmers and families,” said Julian.
The experience was one to remember for the Rose Bowl Aquatics swimmers.
The funds generated from Rose Bowl Aquatics Swim-a-Thon™ help support their swimmers and offset expenses associated with dues, traveling to meets, and equipment. If you are looking for a fun and easy way to raise funds for your own swimming club, look no further than an official Swim-a-Thon™! When you host a USA Swimming Foundation Swim-a-Thon™, you are raising funds to build a stronger team at home, supporting our heroes on the National Team and helping to give kids across the country the opportunity to become safer in, on, and around the water through swim lessons.
Learn how your team can be the next to win the Swim-a-Thon™ contest and earn a personal visit from a 2016 National Team athlete. Visit usaswimmingfoundation.org/swimathon.
Swimming news courtesy of USA Swimming.