By K H Hamilton
What do the Jackie Robinson YMCA, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, Swim 1922, and San Diego Unified School District’s Lincoln High School all have in common? Each organization has partnered with the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., San Diego chapter to officially launch its 4 The Heart of Swimming Program on July 17, 2024.
Initially, program supporters secured a $3,000 Health and Wellness Chapter grant from the National Jack and Jill of America Foundation. However, after meeting with Chapter Foundation Committee Chair Leslie Lake, Jackie Robinson YMCA’s Executive Director, Anna Arancibia, and her team it was quickly determined that additional funding was needed.
Local community advocate, Dr. Robert Brown was contacted. He in turn contacted the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation. Though matching funds were expected, SD Fire-Rescue Foundation’s Executive Wendy Robinson and Liaison Asst. Fire Chief John Wood surprised everyone. The Foundation’s $10,000 funding will provide additional life-saving swim lessons and family memberships for each 4 the Heart of Swimming participant. LHS students will also take yoga classes to manage anxiety and manage stress, which can affect student health and athletic performance.
Eligible participants will qualify to become certified lifeguards and gain employment at the JR YMCA as well. The next cohort of LHS students will start their 4 Heart of Swimming on September 9, 2024.
Additional event highlights include CA State Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-79), a mother member of the Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated San Diego Chapter. Dr. Weber expressed how students participating in 4 the Heart of Swimming can use this life-saving skill to teach other community members, including their siblings and teammates.
Newly appointed San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Chief, Robert Logan II was on hand with his amazing team of dedicated firefighters, including Captain Jason Shanley to support our 4 The Heart of Swimming partnership. All were truly excited about Chief Logan’s appointment and look forward to working with his department throughout this profound partnership.
San Diego Unified School District Area E Board Trustee, Dr. Sharon Whitehurst Payne, and Area E Superintendent, Dr. Steven Dorsey who was also scheduled to speak, showed their support for LHS students and the 4 The Heart of Swimming program that will hopefully extend to Crawford High School in 2025 in honor of the late Woodlain Zachee Prudhomme.
Swim 1922 provided towels to the students. Additional Sigma Gamma Rho, Incorporated Swim 1922 members are scheduled to present LHS students and Track Coach Tamara McMillian with additional swim apparel, including Soul Caps on September 9, 2024, at 4:30 pm.
