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Swim Team Makes Fundraising Waves

Photo by MARY FERGUSON

About 20 swimmers from the South Shore division of the Blue Wave swim team participated in the organization's first Swim-a-Thon. Top row from left are Christi Szalanski, Taber Karppe, Sarah Szalanski, Sarah Ferguson, Josh Uribe, Libby Olson, Jennifer Dyal, Rinato Barreda, Katie Orvash, and Sarah Orvash. Bottom row from left are Connor Newell, Melissa Ferguson, Hannah Herbert, Jessica Pillsbury, Meagan McGee, Hailey Murphy and Janice Barreda.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 28, 2008

APOLLO BEACH - A late-morning thunderstorm couldn't dampen the spirits of a group of young swimmers last weekend.

The South Shore Division of the Blue Wave swim team hosted a swim-a-thon June 21 at the Apollo Beach Racquet and Fitness Club, 6520 Richies Way.

About 20 swimmers, ages 4 to 17, competed during the exhibition and nearly 100 people attended the event.

Blue Wave Coach Ryan Leech said the goal was to raise money for competition equipment, including a digital wall timer.

Seventeen South Shore-based sponsors pitched in by agreeing to pledge between 10 cents to $1 per lap.

"I'm so proud of the kids," Leech said. "They really put their hearts into this and did a great job - even the youngest swimmers got in over 30 laps."

Leech made special mention of Rinato Barreda, 16, who swam 260 laps.

The outdoor event was scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but heavy rain brought the event to an end more than hour early.

Despite the premature finish, the team raised more than $2,000, close to the $2,500 goal set before the swim-a-thon.

"It was very successful," said Mary Ferguson, fundraising chairwoman.

"Almost all of the kids on the team participated and their parents and friends came to watch and cheer."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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