Michael Phelps, and his line of ‘swimspas’ by MasterSpas, have put together a $5,000 ‘Go After Your Goals’ contest to reward the one swim team “that best embodies Michael’s drive for setting and achieving goals and his passion for the sport of swimming.”
There are 27 finalists and 27 days left in which to vote.
Each finalist has put together a video about why they feel they are the most deserving recipients. There’s some very familiar clubs on the list (PASA, Nittany Lion, the North Texas Nadadores, SwimAtlanta, and the Clovis Swim Club, for example), but some of the smaller programs have put together some really impressive videos as well. Without the benefit of massive memberships to vote for them, those smaller programs need just as much support from the swimming community.
Three videos have lept into the lead in the voting: Albany Armada Aquatics in Richmond California, Riptide Aquatics in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Cheshire YMCA/Sea Dog Swim Club.
The story of the Cheshire YMCA is particularly emotion-envoking. The club has been stricken with misfortune twice, as the temporary bubble built over their outdoor pool, that allows them to train outdoors in the cld Connecticut winters, has twice deflated, falling on the equipment below and destroying it. (See their video here).
But all 27 finalists are worthy clubs. These are quality programs, not programs that make the news for negative things, and programs that help instill self-confidence and responsibility in thousands of swimmers. Whichever one draws you in and captures your attention is worthy of your vote, because they’re all deserving.
An interesting bit of trivia about the North Texas Nadadores’ video is that one of the swimmer’s uncle is a rapper out of Philly and custom wrote the song for NTN several years ago. The group is ECOMOG (Every Change Occurs Musically Over Generations). His nephew was a new 15 year old at his first junior nationals at Irvine and heard a song by his uncle while in the stands… He shared that story with his uncle who then composed a special song for the team. Listen to the shortened version that accompanies the video, it is fantastic! And don’t forget to vote for NTN 🙂
Vote for Cheshire! For months they found out on Monday night where they were swimming Tuesday morning. They crowded into lanes in borrowed pools. The team was split up with minivans departing in all directions for venues miles and miles away. They dug in and became bonded in a way that only great adversity can forge. Cheshire Y Sea Dogs. Unbelievable tenacity. Great team!
Please vote for PASA-DKS!
We may be the smallest site in PASA, but we are the most determined and persistent people I have ever known.
Please!
Thanks!
ATOM is a HUGE underdog with only 82 members! We may be small but we’re mighty! We send kids to NC State Champs and Senior Champs and Sectionals every time they are held. We have some that are working toward Junior National Cuts (and are really close)! We could use Your VOTE! Thank You!