Race Swami Presented with Gift at Salt Lake Rotary Luncheon

Race Swami Presented with Gift at Salt Lake Rotary Luncheon

SALT LAKE CITY, UT -- Rose Park/Glendale-based Race Swami was recently honored at a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City at the Joseph Smith Building located in downtown Salt Lake City. Executive Director and Head Coach Matt Finnigan graciously accepted the $1,100 contribution on behalf of the outreach swim club, which is the only USA Swimming sanctioned club that serves the west side communities of Salt Lake City.

Also in attendance for Race Swami was co-founder and Character Education Director, Mary Chris Finnigan; Team President Leslie Motley, and Race Swami athletes Marcela Vasquez (age 15), Peyton Ledbetter (age 11), and Sephra Masina (age 8). Sephra's mother Irene was also on hand for this great honor.

In receiving the financial gift presented by Jim Schwing--a member of the Rotary Club--Finnigan mentioned that the donation will be used towards a scholarship directed to =annual membership dues for children in need. "More than 60% of our kids receive financial contributions generously given by organizations such as the Rotary," Finnigan said. "More than 75% of our members are comprised of Polynesian, Latino, Asian, and something other than Caucasian. More than 70% of our kids come from the westside communities in and around Rose Park and Glendale, where we train. It's a diverse group of kids to say the least, and we are here to serve them."

In presenting the check, Jim Schwing mentioned what a great organization Race Swami was, and how the Rotary Club Foundation gladly wanted to step up to show their support. "The Rotary Club believes in supporting our youth, especially when it comes to underserved youth. We were more than happy to present this contribution to Race Swami. The founders and volunteers for this organization are doing wonderful things for these at-risk youth in our community and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the program in the future."

More than 150 people attended the monthly luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club, including Senator Orrin Hatch. In fact, Coach Finnigan and his swimmers had the opportunity to meet with Senator Hatch afterwards. "He told me what we are doing is great, and to simply keep up the good work, no matter what obstacles we face. Appropriately enough, he said we are making a difference--and that's what matters most. That was terrific to hear. He's a good guy."