After the "Step into Swim" campaign won strong support among the industry and the public, the National Swimming Pool Foundation’s Board of Directors has voted to increase its commitment to the 10-year program and will double its contribution from $25,000 to $50,000 for donations received by October 31, 2012.
Donations have reached more than $63,000; most recently, a $10,000 personal gift from Anita Sayed was matched by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, for a total of $20,000.
“This campaign addresses so many important issues; it will help address the legacy of fear and will save lives by helping people of all ages and races take swim lessons,” Sayed says. “Efforts like this make me want to work closer with NSPF. I think it makes a big difference — not to a few, but to many.”
“It is heartening to see industry members large and small step up and share their resources to help create more swimmers through the Step Into Swim Campaign. We can do great things together, yet we need more help,” says John Puetz, chairman of the National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors.
“We know that companies and individuals have many choices. Those who chose to make a tax-deductible donation to the Step Into Swim campaign wisely realize their generosity will create a brighter future for society and our industry,” adds Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of National Swimming Pool Foundation.
Leading companies like POOLCORP, AllChem, and ARCH Chemicals, who also donated to the 'Step Into Swim' campaign, agree the 10-year effort offers industry members a meaningful way to support swimming for fun and fitness.
The NSPF says compelling statistics found in May's White Paper supports the rationale that swimming is a way to prevent drowning, improve people’s health and grow.
If you'd like to donate, you can do so online, by mailing a check to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919 or by calling 719-540-9119. Industry members, family and colleagues are asked to also join the Facebook page and share the link with friends.
The "Step Into Swim" campaign will feature several leading “learn-to-swim” organizations at the Step Into Swim Congress on October 10, just prior to the 9th annual World Aquatic Health Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Those organizations will present proposals to expand their ability to teach more people to swim. Individuals and organizations who wish to be a bigger part of the campaign are encouraged to register for the Congress.
