Swim-a-Thons , General Information

2009 swim-a-thon team photo

We cannot rely on monthly swim fees alone to cover the operations, equipment, and staff needed to run a successful swim club. In the past, our club has relied on the USA Swimming Swim-a-Thon as a fun and active event to raise some of those extra funds.

Swim-a-Thons are a USA Swimming sponsored event. Our club keeps 95% of raised funds and the other 5% goes back to USA Swimming to help run their programs at a national level.

We conduct the event under USA Swimming, so information packets and pledge forms are provided. We must return all unused packets in good condition or the club gets billed, so please don’t take a packet unless you are participating.

During the weeks leading to the event we ask that you collect pledges (either by the lap swam, or a flat donation).

Work with a parent in obtaining your pledges and stick to people that you know or local businesses. And remember a big thank you!

Here is an example of what to say as you collect pledges:

The University Swim Club is holding a swim-a-thon on ___________.

The swim-a-thon is to help us raise funds so we can maintain our swimming program. We have a team that teaches kids how to swim and how to become better swimmers. We also get to compete in swim meets. It’s our team’s goal to raise at least $2,000.

We get to keep 95% of the funds and 5% goes to USA Swimming to help with their national programs.

The way it works is that you can make a pledge to me and I will try to swim one mile (that’s 70 lengths) within a one and one-half hour limit. Or you can also make a pledge to me for each length I swim. Checks should be made out to the University City Swim Club.

Thank you!

The process is pretty simple, but effective; it also builds team spirit and feelings of pride. So, join in on the fun and participate.

Jan Thaw - Parent Jobs During Meet

Dear Parents,

Please review the PDF file /work%20schedule%20for%20Jan%20Thaw%202009.pdf.
Here you will find the jobs that you will be participating in at our January Thaw meet. I have broken each page down by AM or PM Sessions and by Day (Saturday or Sunday). If you see your name in Red that means we didn't hear from you on a job preference so you get the opportunity of a random assignment.

You must let me know if I have made a mistake. I'll be working to fill the open positions.

Thank you so much.

Karen Palmer - Happy Swimming

Swim Clinic with Olympic Swimmers Coming Soon

We have a unique opportunity to participate in the upcoming Mutual of Omaha Breakout Swim Clinic. This clinic is being hosted by our small club friends the Bridgeton Flying Tigers Swim Club.

Date: Sunday, March 8, 2009
Time: 1:00- 5:00 PM
Cost is $55.00 (Limit of 70 swimmers)

It looks like Olympians Josh Davis and Peter Vanderkaay will be conducting this session. They should also be getting in the water with the swimmers and giving individual attention.

I will have registration forms later this week at the Nat and am also including a PDF file of the registration form. /olympic_training_camp.pdf

For more details on the clinic and organization please visit: breakoutswimclinic.com



Happy Swimming - Karen Palmer

Club Policy For Home Meets

Hosting a swim meet is a task that requires the talents and time of all our families.

In order to ensure a fun and rewarding meet we ask that you be aware of our policies regarding participation.

We assume all swimmmers participate in our home meets - unless you inform us of other plans.

Since we are a parent run club we have always depended on at least one member from each family to work in a volunteer capacity at the meet for a minimum of two sessions. Those sessions can be all on one day or split between Saturday and Sunday. If you have a teenager they are welcome to help, though we'd like timers to be a minimum age of 15 and have good focus abilities.

If you are a single-parent family and your child is not old enough to get to his events on his own, we can assign a parent in the stands to help your child. Everyone in the club tends to be helpful!

If you choose not to volunteer please let us know, because we do assign positions to parents that we have not heard from. Otherwise in the absence of your participation we request a $25 donation to the University City Swim Club.

We thank you for helping us build team spirit and to host a meet that brings enjoyment to your swimmers.