For the 5th consecutive year, my teammates from Red Tide Masters Swimming and I will be participating in The Great Relay, a 5000 yard swim relay. My team - The Strokes - will support the Trident Swim Foundation, a unique organization offering swim lessons, competitive swimming and academic programs to inner city kids in New York and Los Angeles.

Trident student scholars become hooked on competitive swim training even if they have never swum before. The program promotes discipline through mandatory attendance, structured practices and after-school study sessions. Students receive free tutoring, SAT and ACT training and college application assistance. Most importantly, they gain self-confidence and pride as they master new skills and experience teamwork. Each graduate goes on to college and even graduate school.

Some learn lifesaving so that they can get paying summer jobs, while some of the student scholars are recent arrivals in the U.S. and have limited English skills. All have learned, through teamwork, that they are always there for each other.

I have set a fund raising goal of $1500 and am asking for your generosity. Every bit counts. Please support this fine organization and help us make this race a meaningful and successful one for all of us. 

Thank you so much for any assistance you can provide to this fantastic organization, and these amazing children.