On Thursday, October 14th, Swim Free™ will distribute swimsuits donated by Dolfin swimwear to NYC children participating in Asphalt Green’s notable Waterproofing Program. Through Waterproofing, over 30,000 New York City public school children have learned how to swim and be safe in the water – free of charge – since 1993. The swimsuits are part of an overall donation of 1,200 suits, valued at $36,000, donated courtesy of Swim Free™ and Dolfin Swimwear.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Swim Free™ to get the swimsuits in the hands of these deserving children who truly need them”, said Jim Korth, President Dolfin Swimwear.

“There is no question that appropriate gear improves athletic performance. A competitive suit ups the game for our Waterproofing students, helping them to understand they are now athletes. That self-definition improves athletic performance as well as self-esteem, self confidence and important personal skills leading to success,” noted Carol Tweedy, Executive Director of Asphalt Green. “For most children participating in Waterproofing, it will be the first time they own an authentic swimsuit. We are very grateful for the support from Swim Free™ and Dolfin Swimwear for making this possible.”

“Too many children lack the opportunity to learn to swim, resulting in a number of senseless drownings every year in the NY area and nationwide. We hope through this contribution of swimsuits we will help these children gain the confidence they need to take lessons and thereby learn to be comfortable and, most importantly, safe in the water. We are thrilled to support Asphalt Green’s Waterproofing Program,” said Marjorie Spitz, Executive Director of Swim Free™.

Media Contacts:

Swim Free™

Marjorie Spitz

Executive Director

917-796-6174

Marjorie@swimfree.org

Asphalt Green

Christina Klapper

Director of Marketing

646-981-2261

cklapper@asphaltgreen.org

About Swim Free™

Swim Free™ (swimfree.org), is a new non-profit organization dedicated to the health improvement of children and adults through swim. Swim Free has a well respected, board and staff committed to fulfilling its mission, including programs focused on learn-to-swim, water safety and enjoyment, and water cleanliness. Swim Free recently launched a Swim Free Angel™ program that helps comfort people, young and old, who are anxious in and around the water. The Angels provide support shore-side and in the water, offering encouragement and coping mechanisms to help people overcome their fears. Swim Free is proud to be a preferred charity of NYC Swim, and sponsored by RCN.

About Asphalt Green’s Waterproofing Program

Waterproofing is a year-long program, established in 1993, and is designed to ensure that the children have enough practice to develop the muscle memory and the skills needed for a lifetime of confidence and competence in the water. The program addresses the lack of access for elementary school children in low income neighborhoods who had little or no consistent physical activity in their lives and little experience with swimming. Since 1993, Asphalt Green has taught over 30,000 girls and boys, primarily African-American and Latino, to swim through its Waterproofing Program.

Waterproofing is currently serving 1,300 youngsters in grades 2-6, from 19 elementary schools in low-income neighborhoods, during the school day in Asphalt Green’s world-class Olympic-size swimming pool and in partnership with the Dunlevy Milbank Community Center (run by The Children’s Aid Society) and P.S. 125 Ralph Bunche School.

About Asphalt Green

Founded in 1975, Asphalt Green is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals of all ages and backgrounds pursue sports and fitness as a life-long activity. Situation on a beautiful 5.5-acre Upper East Side campus, it is New York City’s premier sports and aquatics complex – acknowledged for its unparalleled sports and fitness programs for all ages and athletic levels – and a valuable resource to the surrounding communities. For more information on Asphalt Green and its programs, visit asphaltgreen.org.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones