Photos
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Shayna Block of Caldwell
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Matthew Tabone and Pattie Vongsoasup at the registration booth for Strong Kids Swim-a-Thon.
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Eileen Larney and Scott Weber (both bottom left) with their team of swim instructors and life guards.
Strong Kids Continues with Swim-a-Thon
Monday, March 4, 2013 • 6:57am
LIVINGSTON, NJ - On your mark, get set, stroke! On Sun. March 3, children and adults of all ages dove into motion for the West Essex YMCA's first ever Swim-a-Thon. The event was scheduled as a fundraising tool for the Y's annual Strong Kids Campaign.
"The whole theme of the campaign is building strong community and the Swim-a-Thon is a good way to involve people," said Aquatics Director, Scott Weber. "There are three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This event incorporates all of those things."
The event kicked off at 3 p.m. with the kid's swim meet which raised about $300. The meet was followed by the kid’s swim where six year old Shayna Block of Caldwell swam 40 laps in less than 30 minutes. Shayna started taking swim lessons at the West Essex YMCA at the age of two. "My favorite way to swim is free style." Through her pledges, Shayna was able to contributed $250 to Strong Kids.
The event closed with the adult swim where the Y's own Aquatic Director, Scott Weber and Head Swim Instructor, Eileen Larney swam to satisfy their own pledges. Participants of Sunday's Swim-a-Thon raised over $950. The event will conclude on Wed. March 6 at 8 p.m.
"A great excuse for going swimming in the middle of winter. It was a lot of fun and knowing that it raised money for the Y made it feel even better", said participant Cary Parkes.
For more information on day two of Strong Kids Swim-a-Thon contact Scott Weber at the West Essex YMCA.
