Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, July 10, 2012 - Non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) is asking every industry member to step up and give $10 to the Step Into SwimTM Campaign. "Give a little to create a lot," urges the foundation's Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D. For every ten dollars a donor contributes, NSPF will match that gift, dollar for dollar. The foundation will give up to $25,000 in matching contributions for donations received by September 1, 2012. One-hundred percent (100%) of the tax-deductible donations and the matching dollars will be directed to the Step Into Swim Campaign to fund organizations that teach people to swim. "Creating more swimmers will help turnaround the serious issues facing our country. And, creating more swimmers will increase demand for pools, spas and aquatic facilities, resulting in industry growth," explains Dr. Lachocki.
"Ten dollars is not a lot to ask. If you take that one step, we'll take the next step to $20," says John Puetz, Chairman of the National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors. "Investing in the next generation of swimmers is the right thing to do," he emphasizes. Gifts may be made online at www.StepIntoSwim.org, or by mailing a check to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919, or by calling 719-540-9119.
NSPF issued a White Paper in May 2012 that illustrates the enormous issues facing our society and the importance of uniting to help more people learn to swim. The paper explains the financial benefit of creating more swimmers. Beyond the personal pain caused by poor health, the financial burden of obesity is estimated to be $147 billion/year and growing. Obesity trends are likely to continue based on increased childhood obesity rates. Also, the Census Bureau estimates that there will be about 24 million more 65+ year olds in the next 10 years. In addition, the tragic incidences of drowning cost society about $100 billion for the past 20 years. Aquatic activity is one of the only options available for aging and out-of-shape people. Fortunately, there are organizations that are helping to create swimmers. Dr. Lachocki urges industry members to join the Step Into Swim Campaign to help create 1 million more swimmers in the next 10 years.
The Step Into Swim Campaign will feature several leading "learn-to-swim" organizations at the Step Into Swim Congress on October 10, just prior to the 9th annual World Aquatic HealthTM Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Those organizations will present proposals to expand their ability to teach more people to swim. Individuals and organizations who wish to be a bigger part of the campaign are encouraged to register for the Congress.About Step Into SwimTM Campaign The Step Into Swim Campaign is a 10-year effort initiated by the National Swimming Pool Foundation® to encourage both the private and public sector to sponsor and support existing and exceptional programs that help children, adults and minority populations take the important step to become swimmers. The goal of Step Into Swim Campaign is to empower organizations that create more swimmers. The Step Into Swim Campaign places emphasis on helping more individuals benefit from aquatic activity and reduce the risk of drowning. Visit www.StepIntoSwim.org.
About NSPF® The National Swimming Pool Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated $4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. Visit www.nspf.org.
