The Assumption College Women’s Swimming and Diving team took part in the Swim Across America event this past weekend at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Rhode Island. The Hounds raised $8,000 during the event, with that money going directly to the Women’s and Infant’s Oncology section that specializes in Ovarian Cancer Research.
“I am proud of our women’s swimming and diving student-athletes for getting involved in such a worthwhile event,” said Nick Smith, director of athletics. “One of our department goals is to excel in the community and I think this is a perfect example of a group of student-athletes doing just that.”
The event featured 470 swimmers from all different levels, including 10 college teams, in a one-mile swim.
Assumption College joined with Providence College, Brown University, Bryant University, Roger Williams University, University of Rhode Island, Boston University, Holy Cross, University of Connecticut and Wesleyan University in making one of the largest groups of college athletes in an open-water swim in the country.
“Our team has put a lot of effort and time into finding donations,” said Assumption College head coach Stuart Cromarty. “This was our first time participating in this event and the team and the team used it as a great bonding experience with the 13 incoming freshman. Almost every swimmer and diver has a friend or relative that has had one form of cancer, so they are proud to do their small part in making a difference.”
Assumption opens the 2013-2014 season on Saturday, October 5th as the Hounds host a pentathlon vs. crosstown rival Holy Cross beginning at 1 p.m. at the Plourde Recreation Center. The Hounds return a number of top swimmers this season from last year’s team that placed a program-best third in the Northeast-10 Conference
Swim Across America is a non-profit corporation that runs events from Boston to San Francisco to support cancer research at the country’s finest hospitals and institutions. Proceeds from the Rhode Island swim go directly to Woman & Infants Hospital of RI, the largest and most diverse oncology service for woman in the Northeast, providing a broad spectrum of care for gynecological and breast cancers. It has evolved into a world-renowned, multi-disciplinary facility where clinicians uncover key answers to the questions of cancer, and focus on the needs of the patients and families.
Swim Across America is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticisms, community outreach and direct service.
This release was provided to swimswam.