USA Swimming has released an updated statement regarding the wildfires that are ripping through Colorado Springs, where the organization is headquartered. The number of staff members evacuated has risen to 9.
We’ve already received an offer here at SwimSwam from Rick at ACC Recruits to help with animal care for displaced residents.
Rain coming through the area has helped stem the flow, but there have also been reports of lightning strikes that are a danger for starting more fires.
“USA Swimming has nine staff members that have been evacuated from their homes at this point in time. We have confirmation that one of the evacuees has lost his home.
“USA Swimming has set up an internal communications plan so that we can address the immediate needs of any staff that has been affected by the Waldo Canyon fires. We’ve received an overwhelming amount of feedback from people expressing their concern, sympathy, and offers of support to our organization. The support is very much appreciated and USA Swimming is working on a long-term plan to most effectively manage what our next steps will be during this difficult time.
“We’ve set-up an email address for anyone that would like to communicate with USA Swimming with offers of support and assistance (care [at] usaswimming.org). Once we have your contact information, we will provide updates as the situation evolves and our plan moves forward.”
The internal team will consist of:
– USA Swimming President Bruce Stratton
– USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus
– USA Swimming Foundation President Bill Maxson
– USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hesse
– Former USA Swimming President Ron Van Pool
– USA Swimming Foundation staff
– Pat Hogan (Staff liaison)