We Rise Foundation - Non Profit!
Dear SwimRise Families! It has officially been 6 months since we launched SwimRise Aquatics & Academy and you all have shown such amazing support for our mission and programs! We wouldn't be here without the strength of our team and coaches. As you may have seen on Instragram/Facebook, today we launched the WE RISE FOUNDATION, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit! www.WeRise-Foundation.orgBuilding the SwimRise team has been a dream of Coach Junior's since he was a very young swimmer. When our first daughter Alexia was born 7 years ago and eventually diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Koolen de Vries Syndrome, our eyes were opened up to a whole world of unique abilities, neuro-diversity and differently abled athletes and a community that needs more access. When we started SwimRise Aquatics, Coach Junior and I knew that we wanted to do more for the community and with the UNF pool as our home facility we are able go above and beyond simply swim teams and lessons. However, the competitive and rec teams are an integral part to our overall vision and are THE foundation of the future growth! #togetherweriseOur Mission is to provide inclusive swimming programs that create opportunity in sport, foster independence, and lifelong skills for underserved children and athletes. Through the foundation we aspire to impact athletes with unique abilities. To learn more about our programs please take some time to read through our website. Programs - We Rise Foundation (werise-foundation.org) A few of our first-step initiatives have already started with SwimRise Academy as we begin training all staff to provide adaptive swim lessons for all abilities. Through the foundation we aspire to make these adaptive lessons free to our clients as well as training staff through ongoing certifications. Additionally, through the competitive team we aim to make this an inclusive team by providing accommodations at all home meets moving forward that are in line with USA Swimming DEI time standards. Coming Fall 2024: Inclusive and Disability specific events will include an annual We Rise Aquathlon, a fundraising event that will provide buddies and accommodations throughout the race to athletes of all abilities. Fall 2024 - Paralympic Clinic with local Para-athletes, plus our own Paralympics team with the guidance of Paralympic specialist, Silvia Schich. Future goals include developing scholarship to increase accessibility to the sport in underserved communities and eventually the big dream is to open an Aquatic Paralympic & Adaptive Training Center! If you have any questions about our vision or want to get involved, we will be setting up several committees, will always need volunteers, but most importantly your support in the community by sharing our mission, and spreading awareness! I have attached a 1-page intro to the Foundation as well! Thank you everyone for your support! SwimRise Aquatics & We Rise Foundation |
