Knolls Gives Back

Knolls Swim Club was created in the 1960’s to serve the families that lived in the Knolls housing developments.  It was an outlet for kids in the community and brought families together in support of common goals, mostly self-improvement and camaraderie.  As the area matured and the club grew, so did the team’s desire to serve and improve the community.  Some competitors that came to the team and gave of themselves were tragically lost to illness or accidents.  Gradually swim-a-thons that started as club fundraising events became swim fests, where the money raised was directed toward those less fortunate.  This was the beginning of the idea of Knolls Gives Back; giving back to the community and to itself.  One morning per season, practice is devoted to making the community a better place and the team a better reflection of shared sacrifices.

Nick Cammarata became the face and name for this effort when he lost his battle with leukemia at age 12 . His courage and positive attitude were inspiring to everyone, on the teams that he swam for and for all who knew him.  The organization, formed in his name to help those facing childhood cancer, was the focus of Knolls’ yearly fundraiser.  In 2015, this effort was widened to reach other individuals and organizations who had an association with the team and would benefit from financial support.

Knolls Swim Club will continue this tradition of providing a positive environment for its swimmers and for sharing this concern for the community through Knolls Gives Back.