Raising for Swami 2013 Kicks Off!

Raising for Swami 2013 Kicks Off!

ROSE PARK -- After a successful inaugural year of fundraising, Race Swami announced it's kick off campaign for the 2013 season. Like the fundraiser of 2012, the scholarship fund is being dubbed, "Raising for Swami."

In 2012, a total of more than $6,000 was raised on behalf of scholarships that were directly put forth towards supporting young swimmers in need. These contributions came from the hands of friends, family, and close partnerships.

An additional $30,000 was given by local foundations that were clearly inspired by what this west side-based organization is providing for families who reside in the communities of Rose Park and Glendale. These foundations included the McCarthey Family Foundation, the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, and Intermountain Healthcare.

"We are so honored by every single dollar contributed to this program," Executive Director Matt Finnigan said. "Race Swami is more than just a swim club. We are an organization determined to make a difference in our community. This is by serving those who live in this community; by empowering young minds whom we feel are underrepresented, or who perhaps don't have the means to afford a program of this caliber. These contributions we receive make this possible. We are deeply honored."

The funds raised are applied towards scholarships for qualified families, lane rental fees, and some coaching fees. More than 50 percent of Race Swami athletes receive financial assistance--these are families who receive free or reduced lunch at school. "Many of these families who come to us interested in getting their kids involved in our program live at or below the poverty level," team president Leslie Motley noted. "They are working families; terrific people. And they need services for their children like anyone else would. A place where their kids are safe, welcome, and involved."

Of the 66 members of Race Swami, which range in ages 5 to 17, about 70% are considered minorities in Utah. Latinos make up the bulk of the team, with more than 48% representing the club. Polynesians, Asians, Caucasians, Native Americans, and Brazilians, round up the remainder of the squad. "Race Swami is really just a microcosm of the west side communities of Salt Lake, since this is likely the most diverse community you'll find in the city, if not the entire state," Finnigan said. "We truly are a community-based organization."

Motley believes Race Swami is important to the community because of whom it serves. "Look, we're helping our society fight something that has become an epidemic: childhood obesity. Due to the fact that we are directly serving a region of our community that was recently tabbed in a Salt Lake Tribune report as having the highest rate of obesity in the state--well, that's something. Couple that with the fact we're providing these kids with a life skill--swimming--that's huge too. And these donations are what make it all possible for us to continue executing the mission."

Contributions to the program can be made online at raceswami.org, or for more information about Race Swami contact Matt Finnigan at [email protected].