Thursday, April 11, 2024
AC Swim Club wins 2023 Swim-a-Thon Grand Prize
Congratulations to AC Swim Club (AC) for winning the 2023 USA Swimming Foundation Swim-a-Thon grand prize: a visit from a USA Swimming National Team member. Three additional USA Swimming member clubs were named Gold Medal winners for their fundraising efforts – Lakeside Aquatic Club (LAC), Mission Viejo Nadadores (MVN), and Mount Hood Aquatics (MHA). They raised over $279,000, with approximately $13,900 returning to the USA Swimming Foundation. In recognition of their efforts, all four clubs will be awarded $200 and a celebratory pizza party to celebrate their success, courtesy of the USA Swimming Foundation.
More than 280 teams across the country hosted USA Swimming Foundation Swim-a-Thon contests in 2023, raising almost $276,000 for the USA Swimming Foundation and over $5.1 million for their clubs. Compared to 2022, more than $45,000 was raised this year to help support the USA Swimming Foundation's mission of Saving Lives, Building Champions, and Impacting Communities. Donations to the USA Swimming Foundation are reinvested into communities nationwide through programs like Learn-to-Swim Grants and Community Impact Grants.
To earn Gold Medal status, Swim-a-Thon participant clubs must fundraise the most in their size category. Club sizes are 0-75, 76-150, 151-300 and 300+. For the first time, three of the four Gold Medal clubs are Safe Sport Recognized, demonstrating their program's commitment to go above and beyond in creating healthy and positive environments free from abuse.
This year, two-time Olympian and gold medalist Chase Kalisz celebrates AC for winning the grand prize. Watch the video below:
Founded in 2018 by Olympian Nathan Adrian and Will Copeland, AC (Pacific Swimming) started as a learn-to-swim program until 2021. Formally known as Westside Aquaducks, this program has a rich history in learn-to-swim programming and has continued its success with current Head Coach John Hiett as a competitor team in the area.
LAC (North Texas Swimming) has become one of the largest teams in Texas, recently winning the combined team and men’s overall at the 2023 Winter Junior Championships in Westmont, Ill. Currently running at four different locations, the team has continued to make waves since being founded in 1982.
“We love doing our Swim-a-Thon at this point in the season,” said Senior Assistant Coach Jeff Klontz. “It’s the perfect time to celebrate the team and our accomplishments, as well as get everyone fired up for the second half of the year.”
Success is a staple on MVN (Southern California Swimming), as shown from its many accomplishments both in and out of the water. For over 55 years, the club has led athletes to claim 20 Olympic medals, 22 World records, and 91 American records.
“The success of last year’s Swim-a-Thon was due in part to our rich tradition, but also to an embracement of a new era surrounded by our team values of Family, Respect and Excellence,” MVN Strategic Team Planning Director Sarah Dawson said.
MHA’s (Oregon Swimming) mission statement and motto Excellence in Swimming, Excellence in Life rings true, especially in their fundraising efforts. Building off the success from 2023, the club is planning to host their 2024 Swim-a-Thon in the beginning of April and includes a pancake breakfast for those who participate.
"We appreciate our membership and community for their continued support of our program," said MHA Executive Director and Head Coach Dennis Baker. "After being shut down for two years during Covid, we are thrilled to be a Gold Medal club and are excited for our team's future."
Did your club set a record in fundraising this year? Let us know by emailing swimathon@usaswimming.org.
Congratulations to all clubs who participated in the 2023 Swim-a-Thon. Learn more about hosting a 2024 Swim-a-Thon here.
More than 280 teams across the country hosted USA Swimming Foundation Swim-a-Thon contests in 2023, raising almost $276,000 for the USA Swimming Foundation and over $5.1 million for their clubs. Compared to 2022, more than $45,000 was raised this year to help support the USA Swimming Foundation's mission of Saving Lives, Building Champions, and Impacting Communities. Donations to the USA Swimming Foundation are reinvested into communities nationwide through programs like Learn-to-Swim Grants and Community Impact Grants.
To earn Gold Medal status, Swim-a-Thon participant clubs must fundraise the most in their size category. Club sizes are 0-75, 76-150, 151-300 and 300+. For the first time, three of the four Gold Medal clubs are Safe Sport Recognized, demonstrating their program's commitment to go above and beyond in creating healthy and positive environments free from abuse.
This year, two-time Olympian and gold medalist Chase Kalisz celebrates AC for winning the grand prize. Watch the video below:
Founded in 2018 by Olympian Nathan Adrian and Will Copeland, AC (Pacific Swimming) started as a learn-to-swim program until 2021. Formally known as Westside Aquaducks, this program has a rich history in learn-to-swim programming and has continued its success with current Head Coach John Hiett as a competitor team in the area.
LAC (North Texas Swimming) has become one of the largest teams in Texas, recently winning the combined team and men’s overall at the 2023 Winter Junior Championships in Westmont, Ill. Currently running at four different locations, the team has continued to make waves since being founded in 1982.
“We love doing our Swim-a-Thon at this point in the season,” said Senior Assistant Coach Jeff Klontz. “It’s the perfect time to celebrate the team and our accomplishments, as well as get everyone fired up for the second half of the year.”
Success is a staple on MVN (Southern California Swimming), as shown from its many accomplishments both in and out of the water. For over 55 years, the club has led athletes to claim 20 Olympic medals, 22 World records, and 91 American records.
“The success of last year’s Swim-a-Thon was due in part to our rich tradition, but also to an embracement of a new era surrounded by our team values of Family, Respect and Excellence,” MVN Strategic Team Planning Director Sarah Dawson said.
MHA’s (Oregon Swimming) mission statement and motto Excellence in Swimming, Excellence in Life rings true, especially in their fundraising efforts. Building off the success from 2023, the club is planning to host their 2024 Swim-a-Thon in the beginning of April and includes a pancake breakfast for those who participate.
"We appreciate our membership and community for their continued support of our program," said MHA Executive Director and Head Coach Dennis Baker. "After being shut down for two years during Covid, we are thrilled to be a Gold Medal club and are excited for our team's future."
2024 Prizes
|
Qualification |
Prize |
|
Swim 100 – 199 laps |
100 Lap Bag Tag |
|
Swim 200+ laps |
200 Lap Bag Tag |
|
Fundraise $400-$599.99 |
Latex Swim-a-Thon Cap |
|
Fundraise $600-$799.99 |
24 oz. Carabiner Water Bottle |
|
Fundraise $800-1,099.99 |
Tabletop Cornhole Set |
|
Fundraise $1,100-$1,399.99 |
Oversized 100% UVA/UVB Sunglasses |
|
Fundraise $1,400+ |
Puffy Outdoor Blanket |
Did your club set a record in fundraising this year? Let us know by emailing swimathon@usaswimming.org.
Congratulations to all clubs who participated in the 2023 Swim-a-Thon. Learn more about hosting a 2024 Swim-a-Thon here.