On the Horizon

There are many things a nonprofit entity wants to accomplish and RACE SWAMI is no different. As difficult a process as its been to try to get this little bugger off the ground these past six months, thankfully, we have a team of very tenacious "gamers."

Leslie Motley, our team president, has been an awesome—and key—acquisition for RACE SWAMI... without "Mother Motley" there is no way Swami would have been able to get this far in the game. A kindergarten teacher in Rose Park by day, this savvy lady brings loads of experience to the table, not to mention what New Yawkers call, "chutzpah." Thank you for buying into this, Les!

So what does RACE SWAMI want to accomplish, besides being a great little (affordable) swim club from the west side of town? We want to make a difference in our community! We want our coaches, swimmers, and families to get involved in what's going on around Rose Park and surrounding neighborhoods. That would include—but not be limited to—community projects, beautification projects, learn-to-swim clinics, smoothie days to raise "good health awareness"... and to help people change their attitude about "Rose Park." Because despite what the media pundits say, this northwest "island" of town is a special, close-knit, genuine part of town.

We are well aware that RACE SWAMI alone can't change people's perceptions—we are but a small, minor component after all—we simply want to help out. To make a difference. To make people take note that the Rose Park community can do and achieve anything. Even fast swimming!

We dream of a day when we can show up to any pool in the state of Utah, and people take note that we're more than just another swim club... that RACE SWAMI represents community. That we stand for raising great kids who want to contribute to their community... to make it the best place it can be.

Rose Park is special, no question. This community is one made up of doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, professors, and the common, hard working folk. People here are genuine. We're proud to represent this community, and to strive to make a difference. From the first day of conception—back on a late July night—this aspiring club's mission has always been one built upon perseverance. It's what the fleur di lis logo represents... that no matter what, we push forward, do the best we can do, and make a difference!

With the newly minted blessing of USA Swimming bestowed upon us on April 1, 2011, we push forward! Let's see what this year brings. There is much on the horizon—the Santa Clara International meet in June (part of USA Swimming's Grand Prix circuit), a swim camp down in the Florida Keys with Gary Hall Sr., the long course State Championships, the Western Sectionals meet in Oregon, Far Westerns in Northern California, Junior Nationals @ Stanford... and perhaps even Senior Nationals (also at Stanford).

But far more than the swim meets we attend and surely celebrate, it's becoming part of a community that happens to be one of Utah's best, if not least celebrated. Let's have some fun!