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Swimmers raise funds for American Cancer Society
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Members of the Canfield Swim and Tennis Club swim team waited their turn to dive into the pool for a relay which was conducted during the club’s annual Hour of Power fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on July 17.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.A member of the Canfield Swim and Tennis Club swim team dove into the pool to take his turn in the Hour of Power relay which raised funds for the American Cancer Society on July 17.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Members of the Canfield Swim and Tennis Club swim team ages 11-18 swam relays for an entire hour non-stop during the club’s annual Hour of Power to raise money for the American Cancer Society on July 17. The swimmers swam under the direction of Head Coach Emily King and Assistant Coach Ryan O’Malley. Missing from photo is Assistant Coach Brian Stahl.
By ABBY SLANKER
The Canfield Swim and Tennis Club swim team had its fourth annual Hour of Power to raise money for The American Cancer Society on July 17.
Under the direction of Head Coach Emily King and Assistant Coach Ryan O’Malley, 75 members of the swim team ages 11 and up swam relays for one full hour, while younger members swam laps for one full hour. The younger team members were awarded a bead for each lap they swam and could then make a necklace showcasing their accomplishment.
All proceeds from the event were donated to the American Cancer Society. Swimmers collected donations from friends and family and several swim team members made posters and signs dedicated to family members or friends who passed away or survived cancer.
According to organizers, the event is a learning experience for the children. It is an opportunity for the swim team members to learn about cancer and know that it is out there.
It is also a chance for the children to give back to their community and hopefully continue to give back as they grow older and in five or 10 years, when they may be coaching their own swim team, they could pass their knowledge onto other swimmers and continue the tradition of the Hour of Power.
Another take away for the participants is learning that giving back to the community and raising funds can be done in a fun way and they need to appreciate life.
In the past three years, the Canfield Swim and Tennis Club swim team has raised $20,000 during the event.
The swimmers received T-shirts with purple writing to honor cancer survivors as a souvenir of their Hour of Power swim.