Intent on making another big splash for cancer-related causes, Swim Across America, Long Island Sound Chapter, SAA-LIS, has kicked off its 24th season.
SAA-LIS, which last year raised more than $1 million for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming events, will offer nine opportunities to swim and volunteer in Westchester and Rockland counties this season, states chapter President Tony Sibio. The nonprofit will have its first swim at the New York Athletic Club in Pelham on July 8. Seven more participation opportunities are scheduled in the four-week period ending Aug. 6.
“This will be the 24th summer that SAA-LIS swimmers are taking the plunge to raise crucial funds that help in the fight against cancer,” Sibio said. “Over the years, we have had many devoted individuals and teams swim in support of, or in memory of, those affected by cancer. This year in particular we are encouraging teams that have participated in the past to reunite and participate once again, whether they are swimming, kayaking, proactively seeking donations or cheering on swim participants. These teams, no matter their size, play a big role in our fundraising success.”
All proceeds raised stay local, supporting cutting-edge cancer research, as well as patient care and support in New York. Beneficiaries include The Cancer Support Team, The Tommy Palazzo Fellowship for Columbia University and Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Presbyterian Medical Center, United Hospice of Rockland, and The Swim Across America and DeMatteo Research Laboratories at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
The summer program will encompass eight pool swims (with the option of half-mile and 1-mile efforts) plus an open-water swim course on Long Island Sound that will offer participants the option of swimming 2K, 5K or 10K. The open-water swim, which starts at Larchmont Yacht Club and ends at Larchmont Shore Club, has been recognized by the World Open Water Swimming Association as one of America’s Top 100 Open Water Swims.
Those interested in participating in 2016 Swim Across America-LIS events can register to swim, kayak, volunteer to help, or sponsor a swimmer at swimacrossamerica.org/long_ island. Donations can be sent to SAA-Long Island Sound, P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538.
Swim Across America Inc. was founded in 1987 and currently offers nearly 30 swims in 15 states. The organization has raised more than $60 million for cancer research and prevention programs at the country’s finest hospitals and managed-care facilities. The Long Island Sound chapter was started in 1992, and has grown to be the largest in the organization, having raised more than $15 million since its inception and more than $1 million in 2015 alone. For more information about Swim Across America Long Island Chapter, call 769-8411 or visit swimacrossamerica.org. (Submitted)
