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CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. - Westchester residents of all ages will be taking to the pool Sunday for the launch of an inaugural Chappaqua charity swimming event to raise money for cancer research.
The event was launched by Swim Across America of Long Island Sound and will be at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. Around 50 swimmers have collected donations and will swim one mile or a half mile as an individual or with a team.
"Last year alone, we raised more than $10,000, said Dan Levy, coach of the clubs champion swim team. Our young swimmers were amazed that their athletic abilities could be used to help raise funds to fight cancer. This year, we are opening our pool and launching a Chappaqua swim with a goal of raising $20,000.
The club first became involved in Swim Across America by forming Team Karen and David, honoring the memory of Karen Levy, Dan's sister, and David Simon, husband of previous club President Judy Simon. The club is taking donations at SAAILS' website and has currently raised more than $12,000.
Joining the swimmers at the event will be Bobby Hackett, a Katonah resident and 1976 Olympic silver medalist in the 1,500-meter freestyle. Hackett will host a free swim clinic on competitive training techniques.
I've participated in a number of Swim Across America events in past years," said Hackett. Its a great cause and a lot of fun. Im excited to join fellow swimmers of all ages and abilities at CSTs event.
Proceeds from the event will go to Swim Across America Laboratory and DeMatteo Research laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Cancer Support Team, and Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian at Columbia University Medical Center.
"Whether you swim, volunteer, or become a sponsor, Swim Across America is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together for a great cause," said Liz Fuerstman, club president.
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