On The Water In The Hudson Valley: Swim Across America

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — After a challenging 2020, Swim Across America’s Long Island Sound Chapter is gearing up for its 29th year of Hudson Valley swimming events to raise funds for cancer research, prevention and treatment, including the much anticipated open water swim in Long Island Sound.

Organizers say this summer's participants will have seven opportunities to swim and volunteer at Swim Across America events in the region.

The popular open water swim will take place on July 31 in the Long Island Sound in Larchmont. For the less adventurous, a series of pool swims are scheduled between July 11 and August 7.

“Last year was challenging for everyone on so many levels, and we are looking forward to coming together again as a community to raise funds to fight cancer and broaden awareness,” Swim Across America Long Island Sound Chapter President Tony Sibio said. “Everyone who participates is taking a powerful, personal stand against this formidable disease and helping to turn the tide against cancer. We’re all ready to go.”

The summer program will include seven pool swims with the option of half-mile and one-mile swims. There will also be one open water swim course on Long Island Sound that will give swimmers the option of swimming 2K, 5K or 10K. The open water swim, which starts at Larchmont Yacht Club and ends at Larchmont Shore Club, has been recognized by the World Open Water Swimming Association as one of "America's Top 100 Open Water Swims."

The following events are also on the schedule this year:

• NYAC Travers Island in Pelham on July 11, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• Chappaqua Swim & Tennis Club in Chappaqua on July 18, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck on July 24, from 6:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• Coveleigh Club in Rye on a date to be determined from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Westchester Country Club in Rye with a date and time to be determined
• Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester on August 7, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the swims will support the Swim Across America research lab, Dr. Luis Diaz and the MSK Kids Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; pediatric oncology research at Morgan Stanley Columbia University Medical Center; and patient services with Cancer Support Team.

Those who would prefer to stay on dry land can also contribute to the chapter’s fundraising efforts. Swim Across America My Way is a virtual way to participate. It can be anything from jogging to golfing, playing tennis to basketball. All SAA My Way participants are encouraged to set a minimum fundraising goal of $250. All donations raised for My Way will support the SAA-LIS event.

“Our motto at Swim Across America is ‘hope has no finish line,’ and we will never stop supporting cancer research and education until all cancer is eradicated,” Sibio said. “Our SAA community of swimmers, kayakers and volunteers are offering hope to cancer fighters and survivors and helping to light the way for a better tomorrow.”

Swim Across America, Inc. was founded in 1987 and has raised over $100 million for cancer research and prevention programs. Since Swim Across America’s founding, it has grown from having a single event in Nantucket, MA to hosting 22 open water benefit swims across the country.

The Long Island Sound chapter was started in 1992 and has grown to become the largest in the organization. The chapter has raised more than $20 million since its inception.

Those interested in participating in 2021 Swim Across America - Long Island Sound events can register to swim, kayak, sponsor a swimmer or volunteer here.

Donations can be sent to Swim Across America - Long Island Sound, P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538.