Swim Across America is Set to Make Waves in Dallas on June 8 - 9 in the Fight Against Cancer
Dallas, TX, June 09, 2012 --(PR.com)-- More than 225 swimmers and 25 teams will make waves against cancer at this year’s Swim Across America’s (SAA) second annual event in the Lone Star State on June 8-9. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are registered to swim the ½-mile, 1-mile or 2-mile open water event at Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, Texas to raise money for the Innovative Clinical Trials Center at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas.
SAA is a national non-profit organization that to-date has raised more than $40 million for the fight against cancer through swimming events around the country.
Many cancer survivors and 10 former Olympic swimmers including gold medalists Ryan Berube and Neil Walker, both from Dallas, are also participating in the event. Swimmers may swim individually, or as part of a team to honor friends and family that have been touched by cancer.
Last year’s event raised more than $350,000, putting the event $100,000 over its goal. This year, the committee aims to raise $400,000. The Title Sponsor of the event is the Texas 7-Eleven Franchise Owners Association, which has committed to giving more than $25,000 to SAA.
"What we achieved last year was incredible,” said Daniel Watters, Swim Across America Dallas co-chair, and a former swimmer on the 1988 Olympic team. “We set our sights high, but this year we’re hoping to blow that amount out of the water, so to speak.” Watters is joined by co-chairs Andrea Hayes Dickson, also a member of the 1988 Olympic team, and Jeanne Cunningham, a former member of the University of Texas swim team.
As part of the event, swimmers will honor those who are unable to participate in the event by writing on rocks the names of loved ones who have battled cancer and will toss the rocks into the water as a group.
Participants will also be able to share their stories on a “Why I Swim” banner.
“These visuals really tie together why we are doing this,” said Dickson. “We love swimming and this event allows us to do what we’re passionate about while remembering those who are no longer with us and raising money for those who are still fighting this disease.”
Olympic Swim Clinic Offers Meet-and-Greet Opportunity for Kids
In addition to the open water swim on June 9, there will be an Olympic Swim Clinic for younger swimmers will be held Friday, June 8 at the Rockwall ISD Natatorium. Gold medalists Berube, Walker and Josh Davis will give technique tips to swimmers and sign autographs.
Those who have raised more than $250 for the open water event will receive free admission to the clinic, while others can register online for $50. All proceeds from the clinic will benefit the Baylor Cancer Center.
To learn more about the Dallas Swim Across America event and swim clinic and how we are “Making Waves to Fight Cancer,” please visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
About Swim Across America
Swim Across America, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service.
About Baylor Health Care System
Baylor Health Care System is a not-for-profit, faith-based supporting organization providing services to a network of acute care hospitals and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. Baylor recorded more than 2.8 million patient encounters, $4 billion in total operating revenue, $5.2 billion in total assets and $494 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2010. Baylor’s network of more than 300 access points includes 29 owned/operated/ventured/affiliated hospitals; joint ventured ambulatory surgical centers; satellite outpatient locations; senior centers and more than 150 HealthTexas Provider Network physician clinics.
SAA is a national non-profit organization that to-date has raised more than $40 million for the fight against cancer through swimming events around the country.
Many cancer survivors and 10 former Olympic swimmers including gold medalists Ryan Berube and Neil Walker, both from Dallas, are also participating in the event. Swimmers may swim individually, or as part of a team to honor friends and family that have been touched by cancer.
Last year’s event raised more than $350,000, putting the event $100,000 over its goal. This year, the committee aims to raise $400,000. The Title Sponsor of the event is the Texas 7-Eleven Franchise Owners Association, which has committed to giving more than $25,000 to SAA.
"What we achieved last year was incredible,” said Daniel Watters, Swim Across America Dallas co-chair, and a former swimmer on the 1988 Olympic team. “We set our sights high, but this year we’re hoping to blow that amount out of the water, so to speak.” Watters is joined by co-chairs Andrea Hayes Dickson, also a member of the 1988 Olympic team, and Jeanne Cunningham, a former member of the University of Texas swim team.
As part of the event, swimmers will honor those who are unable to participate in the event by writing on rocks the names of loved ones who have battled cancer and will toss the rocks into the water as a group.
Participants will also be able to share their stories on a “Why I Swim” banner.
“These visuals really tie together why we are doing this,” said Dickson. “We love swimming and this event allows us to do what we’re passionate about while remembering those who are no longer with us and raising money for those who are still fighting this disease.”
Olympic Swim Clinic Offers Meet-and-Greet Opportunity for Kids
In addition to the open water swim on June 9, there will be an Olympic Swim Clinic for younger swimmers will be held Friday, June 8 at the Rockwall ISD Natatorium. Gold medalists Berube, Walker and Josh Davis will give technique tips to swimmers and sign autographs.
Those who have raised more than $250 for the open water event will receive free admission to the clinic, while others can register online for $50. All proceeds from the clinic will benefit the Baylor Cancer Center.
To learn more about the Dallas Swim Across America event and swim clinic and how we are “Making Waves to Fight Cancer,” please visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/dallas.
About Swim Across America
Swim Across America, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service.
About Baylor Health Care System
Baylor Health Care System is a not-for-profit, faith-based supporting organization providing services to a network of acute care hospitals and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. Baylor recorded more than 2.8 million patient encounters, $4 billion in total operating revenue, $5.2 billion in total assets and $494 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2010. Baylor’s network of more than 300 access points includes 29 owned/operated/ventured/affiliated hospitals; joint ventured ambulatory surgical centers; satellite outpatient locations; senior centers and more than 150 HealthTexas Provider Network physician clinics.
Contact
Swim Across America
Denise Hodges
214-599-8703
www.swimacrossamerica.org
Denise Hodges
214-599-8703
www.swimacrossamerica.org
Contact
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