Let’s do 10 more, we’re so close
On Saturday mornings I swim at Parkrose Pool with Portland Triathlon Club. In a few weeks, coaches Mike and Sandy will march us through 124 consecutive 50-meter sprints to celebrate the arrival of 2024. On the surface it sounds like hell, but something unifying happens in the water. This morning, after a decent 2200m workout, Sandy twinkled her winning smile “Ok! Now, do 30, 50’s on the minute!” Dutifully we all pushed off the wall, returning 45 seconds later for a rest, rinse and repeat. 28 repeats later, Alana in the next lane over casually noted, “I’m doing 10 more after this.” Because she is my swimming nemesis today and because I’m maybe a little bit competitive I couldn’t not do 10 more too…. Stroke for stroke we paced each other down the lane and back again, flip turn to dolphin kick, alternate side breathing. After a total of 40 sets I packed it in. Today we swam well together, breathing, kicking and reaching in unison. And I am grateful.
Thanks to you, our adjusted $3,500 goal is within reach. Thank you Briar, Emily, Susanne, Alisa, Avi, Joe, Kat, John, Marlys, Sheila and Kristin! You brought us to $3,370. WE ARE SO CLOSE.
Here's what we can be proud of in 2023
* Eco-Swim Clinics that engaged 283 participants who learned new skills and fell IN LOVE with the water
* 221 volunteers engaged who leveraged 26,280 direct service volunteer hours worth $394,200
* 13 organizational partners who provided over $35,000 in grant funds
And here’s what we can look forward to in 2024
* Monthly Eco-Swim clinics
* Quarterly Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification workshops
* Special events for World Water Day, Earth Day, and National Drowning Prevention Month
* Summer outreach tents at Broughton Beach
Team WaterStrong: you had fun, you instilled a love for the water, you balanced our learning objectives with the reality of things, and you took leadership. I am beyond proud of team WaterStrong. You are wonderful. Here are the pictures to prove it: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2h26vBbuRvzDePHB8
