SMU men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams have begun each of the past 10 academic years by volunteering at the annual Tour Des Fleurs. This event is held at White Rock Lake and benefits the Dallas Arboretum. The Tour Des Fleurs features a 10k and a 20k race for individuals of all ages.
“The SMU women’s team is excited to volunteer at this year’s Tour De Fleur,” said head women’s swimming coach Steve Collins. “The Dallas Arboretum is a great asset for the city of Dallas.”
Mustang swimmers and divers are assigned to work at hydration stations throughout the course. Stations have water and supplements that are offered that morning to participants, who are told during registration to “expect plenty of water and inspiration along the course”.
Head men’s swimming coach Eddie Sinnott explained the importance of volunteer activities to his program and the SMU community.
“Volunteering for this event is our small way of giving back,” said Sinnott. “Our goal is to go out and support the community, so they will support us.”
Sinnott, who begins his 25th season, and Collins, his 28th, believe the event sets the tone as each program launches its quest for the first American Athletic Conference Championship.
Senior men’s captain Nicolai Hansen enjoys this event every year. “My teammates and I have a lot of fun,” said Hansen. “As the racers go by, we have to work as an assembly line in order to accommodate everyone’s needs. It’s a great team-building experience.”
Sinnott called it a “great tradition” for the SMU programs, and Collins said “he is proud to volunteer for such a worthy cause and do this on an annual basis”.
For the women, the 2013-14 schedule begins at the North Texas Relays in Southlake, Texas, on Oct. 4.
The men open later on Nov. 13 at Fort Worth as SMU meets rival TCU.
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This release was provided to swimswam by SMU and written by William Pantages.
