The MHS swim team will be hosting the annual Swim-A-Thon fundraiser on March 2, 2018 at the Malden High School pool right after school. The money raised will be contributed to “The USA Swimming Foundation: Make a Splash”. This charity initiative is saving children’s lives through providing swim lessons. A proportion of the money raised will also get allotted to supplies for the team, such as team jackets and equipment.
Coach Jessica Bisson explained that the team typically donates at least $500 to a charity of the captain’s choice each year. In the past years, they have donated to” Bread of Life”, “Make a Wish”, “Malden Teen Enrichment Center”, “Polar Plunge”, “Alzheimer’s Association” and “Ronald McDonald House”.
All 26 members on the swim team are expected to participate in the event. The amount of money they raise correspond to the number of laps they swim. Coach Bisson expects all swim members to “raise a minimum of $75”.
Varsity swimmer Ryan Vasili stated that he “expects [himself] to raise a minimum of $100.” He is “very excited to participate in this event because [he] really [misses] the team and [he is] looking forward to seeing them again”. In addition, he added that “[he] also really enjoys swimming, and swimming at this event will be extra fun because it is for a good cause”. Vasili mentioned that “[he] will prepare for this event by making sure to drink lots of water throughout the week”.
Varsity swimmer Diana Garcia De La Cruz said that she is “very excited for this event because [she cannot] wait to swim to raise money”. She expects herself to “persevere until [she has] no energy left”. Cruz explained that she will make sure to visit the YMCA to practice and get ready for the Swim-A-Thon.
The swim team looks forward to participating in the Swim-A-Thon and hopes to raise a lot of money for a good cause.