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2007 YWCA Channel Challenge On July 30, 2007 two teams of YWCA swimmers successfully swam across the English Channel - a 21 mile stretch across the busiest shipping seaway in the world. A few weeks later on August 7, 2007, their Coach successfully completed a solo crossing of his own. These 15 swimmers crossed the English Channel to raise awareness of drowning disparities in MN and raise support for the YWCA Swim for Change program. They helped bring awareness to a startling fact that people of color are nearly twice as likely to drown as white people in Hennepin County, and that Minnesota has the highest drowning rates for African Americans in the country. Since 2007, children and youth of color involved in YWCA programs have become safer around water by learning how to swim, gained access to lifeguard training courses and participation on the YWCA Otters swim team. YWCA Channel Challenge swimmers were the first youth and adult teams from Minnesota to cross the English Channel. The swimmers raised more than $70,000 to support the YWCA Swim for Change Program. Growing up, swimming was a sport for families with higher socio-economic status. The Swim for Change campaign creates opportunity for more children and youth to learn how to swim - not just those who can already afford the lessons. My hope is that more people get an opportunity to share my love for swimming." - Priscilla Zee, member of the YWCA Channel Challenge adult relay team "I was a little nervous for the swim because I heard that there are jellyfish in the English Channel. But people who can't swim are just as nervous about jumping into a swimming pool for the first time." - Grete Wilt, member of the YWCA Channel Challenge youth relay team What did it take?
Was it worth it? Hundreds of YWCA children and youth think so! What an amazing journey!
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