University of Virginia Swim Camp

For the first time last year Nadar Por Vida was able send a swimmer to participate in the University of Virginia Swim Camp.  Mark Bernardino, the Nationally recognized and celebrated UVA Swim Coach understands the mission of Nadar Por VIda and has been entirely supportive.  

 

So this year I am pleased to announce on behalf of the Board of Nadar, that we will be sending THREE swimmers to UVA swim camp!  We are very excited for swimmers Kevin Romero, Marco Perdomo and Victor Celis and their families.  At the camp they will learn and practice stroke, start, and turn techniques and mechanics. The camp provides daily video sessions with immediate playback which will serve as an invaluable aid in diagnosing and dissecting each stroke. They will also learn about the scientific principles involved with swimming, weight training, nutrition, and physiology. Through generous contributions, Nadar pays for the majority of the fees leaving the balance to our families.  Without  the support of their families our swimmers would not have this opportunity!

 

By participating in the UVA swim camp we believe that our families will have the opportunity to visit a nationally recognized university.  For some, this will be the first time.  I know first hand how improtant it is to have the opportunity to see a university.  Only by being there can you truly imagine your child becoming one of the future students.  My family knew nothing of college since Mom and Dad had limited education and anything beyond high school was considered for the priviledged.  It was only after I had worked many years and made it to a university that my father and mother finally came to visit.  Dad had a difficult time taking it all in since it was just somthing beyond his everyday life and of course, alchoholism was beginning to takeover more and more of his life.  If only I had had an opportunity of this kind I wonder if it would have made a difference in my life?  

 

With the commitment of my Board and the generosity of our donors I can watch the changes happen before my eyes.  I am often asked about my schedule since it appears I am so involved.  Thanks to our swim community I have been given the best seat in the house I would not miss a minute!  I get to see the true joy of our families, of our children.   For that I remain grateful. 

 

So on Sunday we caravan to UVA, with excited hearts and great expectations.  This would never have come about if it were not for the generous generous Northern Virginia, NVSL and PVS swim families who have made this possible.  Be assured that lives are being affected here...        Thank you all!

Swim Parents and the Swim Commuity in Northern Virginia

When we started Nadar Por Vida 5 years ago, the kids and their families were our central focus.  They remain our motivation and fuel for our passion.  

Nadar has developed into a community of what I deeply believe reflects the best of our Northern Virginia community.  From the many high school and middle school volunteers coming from more than 20 schools to tend to our almost 150 swimmers reflecting over 40 Fairfax County and private schools, to the many donors from a prestigious K street international law firm, to private individuals who have been so generous.  

Unprecedented support has come from USA Swimming, and individual and organizational support from Potomac Valley Swimming, the Curl Burke Swim Club and so many, many teams and individuals of the Northern Virginia Swim League.  As a 21st Century Community Learning Business partner, as a Fairfax County Public School after-school program through Holmes Middle School and valuable partner of the Fairfax County Parks and Recreation Authority  we have tried to show we can come together for the common good.

This recesitation of participation is only a small indication of the many, many individuals and families who permit me to persue my passion.  I am selfishly grateful and am enpowered by the smiles generated as a result of the wishes of so many.  

In this initiation of my first blog it is my intention by my writings to celebrate the many stories of the lives that have been affected by the generosity of our community. 

From the watery bubbles comes a unity of purpose  and many lives to be saved.  My deepest appreciation to all those individuals who make this work possible.