Swimming Participates in Open Water Charity Event

Gainesville, Georgia-The Brenau swim team participated in the Swim Across America (SAA) open water charity swim hosted at Lake Lanier Olympic Park this past weekend. 

Swim Across America hosts the 0.5, 1 mile and 4 mile open swim event to raise funds for cancer research and cancer patient programs. 

Swim team members Olga Bukowska, Calli Edens, Hannah Tomlinson, and Emma Verkuijl completed the three mile swim in Lake Lanier. while teammates Bailey Hodges, Tessa Ip Hen Cheung, Hannah Miltiades, and Melanie Wicht each completed the one mile swim. 

In total, the Golden Tigers raised $1,311 for cancer research

For Brenau senior Callie Edens, her first open water swim and the overall experience definitely made its mark. 

“It was so impactful to meet all the swimmers and hear their stories,” said Edens. “Some were swimming for friends, some were swimming for family, and some were even swimming to honor their own cancer journey. It was so moving to get to see first hand how much events like SwimAcrossAmerica impacts those it benefits”

“This is definitely something I look forward to adding to my yearly calendar!”

Head swim coach Mandi Bell also volunteered nine hours to help ensure the safety of all swimmers participating in the event.

According to Bell, “The team were nervous because only one of them had ever participated in an open water swim before the swim last Saturday. After the event they were so excited! Not only did they enjoy the swim, but they loved all of the speakers and the body marking and the booths. We will definitely be doing it again next year!”

Established in 2013, SAA - Atlanta has donated nearly $3 million to Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. For more information about the program, click here.