Race Swami

On January 16th, 2011, an article appeared on the cover of the Salt Lake Tribune, titled, "The West Side: Where an Ill Will Blows." Besides covering such topics as socioeconomic factors, heavier toxic-pollution burden, among other downtrodden-related issues plaguing the communities of Salt Lake City's "west side," one of the most telling stories was the alarming data discussing the region's unhealthy reputation. The Salt Lake Tribune described it as a "ghetto of poor health."   

I am the Executive Director and head coach for an outreach swim program based in this "the west side" region, specifically, what the Tribune called the "worst two offenders," Glendale and Rose Park. Coincidentally, our outreach swim program, Race Swami, was founded the same month that this article appeared on the front page of the Tribune. After more than 27 months of operation, we now have close to 70 new members (ages 4-18), most of whom reside in these very neighborhoods of Salt Lake City. We are out to put a dent in this perceived notion of a "ghetto of poor health."   

Race Swami provides opportunities in swimming to the underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth in the Salt Lake area. A substantial number of Race Swami members receive scholarship support from the grants we receive from friends, family, and a few local businesses and organizations. Our purpose is not to be the "best swim club in Utah", but rather, to empower youth to be champions—in and out of the water for a lifetime. Of course one of the benefits of swimming, is the fact that the activity leads to a healthy lifestyle. It's a life skill. We also provide many educational opportunities for our members, as well as mentorship (partnered with the Guadalupe School), service work in the community, and competitions in other states.   We would be grateful for your help in furthering the cause of Race Swami and all that we are doing to debunk the ghetto of poor health trend. After all, it's not that these families choose to lead unhealthy lifestyles, it's that there are a disturbing lack of formidable youth programs offering engaging, challenging activities available at an affordable price.   

Race Swami is doing something to Make A Difference! It is our hope you'll see the value in this program and assist us in making an even bigger difference.  

Matt Finnigan, Head Coach, Race Swami