Swim for Kids Event Supports Children and Youth w. Physical Disabilities

Published on: 2019/08/22 - in News

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario co-hosted the 3rd annual Swim for Kids event with Easter Seals Ontario this past month in support of programs and initiatives for children and youth with physical disabilities.

Soon after the July 27 event concluded, it was announced that a combined total of $37,441 had been raised by swimmers – aged 12+ who participated in 1.5 km and 3 km open water swims – along with its donors and sponsors.

Prizes and awards were bestowed on outstanding swimmers and fundraisers at an award ceremony to acknowledge their achievements. Top event fundraisers received prizes that included a $3,000 VIA Rail travel package donated by VIA Rail and the CEOs of YMCA of Eastern Ontario and Easter Seals, a trip for two to Montreal donated by Merit Travel and a 13 ft kayak donated by ClearWater Design.

Athletes who finished in the top place for their respective categories – age, gender, wetsuit and non wetsuit, Para-athlete and able-bodied athlete categories – were recognized for their accomplishments with prize medals.

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario, Kingston Y Penguins swim program is coached by marathon swimmer Vicki Keith and encourages children with physical disabilities and their siblings to ‘excel, building confidence and strength of mind, body and spirit’.

For 97 years, Easter Seals Ontario has provided families of children with physical disabilities with financial assistance for expensive mobility equipment and communication devices such as walkers, braces, and wheelchairs, fully accessible Easter Seals camps, and funding for alternative recreational programs.