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PELHAM, N.Y. -- A record number of swimmers filled the New York Athletic Club pool Friday as members and friends teamed for the club's eighth annual pool swim for Swim Across America-Long Island Sound, raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer.
"We had a record-breaking turnout with nearly 75 people among them swimmers, volunteers and sponsors," event organizer and club member Jean Fufidio said. "Kevin Carolan and his pool staff were extremely helpful and supportive. So much so, that his lifeguards also swam for the cure. Team NYAC had swimmers that ranged from seven to seventy-seven.The event was followed up with its signature barbecue and a great time was had by all."
Members of the Cancer Support Team, a Westchester-based organization that receives money from the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound events, entered its own swim team headed by nurse Katie Shields.
Swim Across America has raised more than $12 million in 20 years; $1.2 million alone last year at Long Island Sound and pool swims. Proceeds from local swim events go to several organizations, including, Cancer Support Team of Westchester County, Tommy Palazzo Fellowship at Columbia University, Morgan Stanley Childrens Hospital of New York Presbyterian Medical Center, DeMatteo Research and Swim Across Americas laboratories at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
The New York Athletic Club pool swim is one of several local swim events that support Swim Across America's main event, a Long Island Sound swim that draws hundreds of aquatic supporters July 28 into the waters off the Larchmont Yacht Club. The pool swims began with last week's Saxon Woods Swim in White Plains and continue with fundraisers Saturday at Rye's Coveleigh Club, Sunday at Westchester Country Club in Rye, July 21 at Chappaqua Pool, July 22 at Orienta Beach Club and Aug. 4 at Lakeside Field Club in North Salem and Eastchester's Lake Isle Club.
For information about Swim Across America-Long Island Sound or to join any of the local pool swims or the Sound Swim, log on at www.swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.
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