UVAC Swimmer Swims around Manhattan!

On July 5, 2020, 16 year old, Vera Rivard (UVAC) of Springfield, NH and Derby, VT completed the world famous 28.5 mile 20 Bridges Swim in New York City. This swim is a circumnavigation swim around the island of Manhattan via the East River, Harlem River, and Hudson River. This swim is one of the Triple Crowns of Marathon Open Water swimming. Rivard finished with a time of 7h53m.

Rivard was the first swimmer of the year to attempt the swim. The swim is sanctioned by New York Open Water (NYOW). The crew included, Directors: Rondi Davies & David Barra, Boat Captain: Sean Makofsky, Kayaker: Alex Arevalo, Official Observer: Paula Croxson, Swimmer Support Crew on Boat: Darcie DeBlois-Rivard & Margaret Rivard. (Vera’s mother and 13 year old sister respectively)
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to swim in these special waters. I have dreamed of this swim for as long as I can remember. I feel so lucky to be the first swimmer of the year and hope I can inspire others and show them that if you work hard, you can achieve any goal.” says Vera. She wore a patriotic, red white and blue suit for the swim and hopes to attempt many more swims in the future. When she isn’t swimming in local lakes, Vera trains with the Upper Valley Aquatics Center in White River Junction, VT.