Courtesy: Asphalt Green Aquatics
NEW YORK, NY (May 1, 2025) — Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) swimmer Ali Wright will host Wave Makers Swim-a-Thon, a community fundraiser supporting Asphalt Green’s vital water safety and swim skill development programs on Saturday, May 31, from 2 to 5pm, at the Convent of the Sacred Heart’s pool on the Upper East Side.
Ali is a sophomore at the Nightingale-Bamford School and a longtime AGUA swimmer who exemplifies the organization’s commitment to excellence and leadership. Last year, she also produced a historical documentary about the PDR swim team, which highlights barriers in access to swim instruction.
“I decided to create the swim-a-thon in 2024 after I made a historical documentary about the PDR swim team and Coach Jim Ellis. I was moved to learn about the barriers many kids, especially those in urban areas, encounter in learning to swim, let alone competing in the sport, and felt inspired to try to do something about it,” said Ali. “Last year, the swim-a-thon raised $5,000 for Asphalt Green’s water safety programs. This year, we’re hoping to raise ten times that amount to make a difference in the lives of many more kids.
All funds raised will go directly toward expanding Asphalt Green’s free and low-cost swim programs that expand access to swim instruction, including its Waterproofing program that has taught thousands of New Yorkers to swim free of charge, and its Wave Makers initiative that has brought free swim instruction to public school students in all five boroughs. The event comes on the last day of water safety month and will help raise awareness regarding the importance of accessible swim instruction and drowning prevention.
“We’re incredibly proud of Ali for taking the initiative to host Swim-A-Thon, exemplifying our values of leadership and community service,” said David Rodriguez, Senior Director of Aquatics. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to expand access to swim instruction, and the event will help us give even more New York City children the life-changing benefits of swimming.”
How It Works:
Participating is easy and open to swimmers of all levels.
- Sign up to swim by completing the registration form here
- Fundraise by asking friends and family to support your swim with a flat donation or pledge per lap completed.
Show up and swim on May 31 at Sacred Heart!
