3rd Annual Swim For Kids event raises $37,441 for kids with physical disabilities

Kingston, ON, July 31, 2019 – On July 27, 2019, The YMCA of Eastern Ontario with Easter Seals Ontario hosted the 3rd annual Swim for Kids event in support of programs and initiatives for children and youth with physical disabilities. To date, participating swimmers, donors and sponsors have raised a combined total of $37,441.

This partnership event included 1.5 km and 3 km open water swims and was open to swimmers of all abilities aged 12+.

In addition to plenty of fresh air and good-natured competition, the event included swim caps, participation medals, and a post-swim breakfast for athletes and guests. Massages were also provided by Trillium College and Fresh Radio 104.3 was on hand to provide live coverage and musical entertainment at the event.

MP Mark Gerretsen, Mayor Bryan Paterson, Town Crier Chris Whyman, and a representative for MPP Ian Arthur were on hand to greet the athletes, sponsors, donors and guests and to thank them for their attendance and contributions to the event.

An award ceremony rounded out the festivities with prizes and awards provided to outstanding swimmers and fundraisers in acknowledgement of their achievements.

Prizes awarded for the top event fundraisers included a $3,000 VIA Rail travel package donated by VIA Rail and the CEOs of YMCA of Eastern Ontario and Easter Seals, a trip for two to Montreal donated by Merit Travel and a 13 ft kayak donated by ClearWater Design.

Prize medals were also awarded to those athletes finishing in the top place for their respective categories. These included age, gender, wetsuit and non wetsuit, Para-athlete and able-bodied athlete categories.

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario, Kingston Y Penguins swim program coached by marathon swimmer Vicki Keith, encourages children with physical disabilities and their siblings to excel, building confidence and strength of mind, body and spirit.

For 97 years, Easter Seals Ontario has provided families of children with physical disabilities with financial assistance for expensive mobility equipment and communication devices such as walkers, braces, and wheelchairs, fully accessible Easter Seals camps, and funding for alternative recreational programs.

 
Media Contacts:
Krista LeClair
Senior Development Officer Easter Seals Ontario
T: 613-547-4126 ext 221
E: kleclair@easterseals.org

Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing and Communications YMCA of Eastern Ontario
T: 613-546-2647 ext 258
E: colleen.gareau@brockville.ymca.ca