Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia – Young swimmers participating in lessons at the Naval Station Norfolk were treated to not just one, but four USA National team members on January 9th. Ryan Lochte, Anthony Ervin, Tyler Clary, and Tim Phillips visited the United States Navy base, which supports naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, as part of the latest installment of the USO partnership with USA Swimming.
The appearance is an element of USA Swimming’s Athlete Partnership Program, which provides a means for elite swimmers to inspire children and adults to view swimming as not only a sport, but as an important piece of an overall healthy lifestyle.
This is the second such event for athletes Lochte and Clary, while Ervin and Phillips were joining the fun appearance for the first time. In addition to sharing warm-up techniques and drills, the foursome shared their vision and wisdom on what it means to be a member of USA Swimming’s National Team, as well as performing on the world swimming stage.
The occasion had a special meaning for Ervin, whose father served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. On the subject, Ervin commented, “”I’m simply proud of their service. My father and many of my forefathers have served in the military forces of our country, and while I have not, my hope is that through this opportunity I can honor our servicemen, past and present.”
The USO’s mission is to “lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families….a private, non-profit organization providing critical support to forward-deployed troops, military families” among many others. For Lochte’s part, he tells the press that “The USO is an amazing organization, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of another USO tour. These men and women sacrifice so much for our country, and it’s an honor to thank these brave individuals for their service.”
Quotes courtesy of prweb.com release
