Splash Magazine’s July/August issue shared an amazing story of giving back. This is a great example of how powerful establishing and carrying on traditions of getting involved with your community can be.

Think about how this you can apply what this swim club does to a giving back initiative for your school. After all, we can give back to the community regardless of our age!

Where There’s a Swimmer There’s a Winner

This past May, Velocity Swimming, a Wenatchee Washington-based club, woke up and put on team apparel for some bonding and an opportunity to get involved in a fun community event.

The team continued a 12-year tradition started by Jan Cetto, the former board president of the club from 2002. The day started with a trek up Saddlerock Mountain, which is two miles long and has a 1,000 foot incline. Afterwards, the team enjoyed pancakes in a park and prepared for the Apple Blossom Parade and Festival. At the parade, prices were handed out to the many floats in various categories, including Best Float, Best Spirit and Most Creative. Velocity carried the signs that announced the winners in each category.

“It’s awesome to see our swimmers march out onto the street to turn around and show the people of the float that they won a certain award,” Velocity assistant coach Max Cristofori said. “Everyone at the parade knows when you see those swim kids, that means there must be winners around.”

“As the only USA Year-Round swim team in the area, we try to stay active in the community by volunteering any way we can. There is a unique opportunity where we can give back to the community, as well as reach out the local families from our team.”

After the parade, many of the swimmers participated in the one-mile fun run along side other local kids. The day offered a great experience for everyone who participated, and the impact on the team and the community was positive, Cristofori said.