Calling all swimmers — Big Splash deadline is Aug. 20

Summertime is a season for smiles, sunshine and, for swimmers of all abilities and ages, the Big Splash.

Swimmers only have until Thursday (Aug. 20) to register for the first-ever Big Splash, a recreational and competitive swimming fundraiser in Omaha and Lincoln on Aug. 28 and 29.

Proceeds from the University of Nebraska Foundation event will enhance and expand the specialized services and programs UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute provides each year to more than 10,000 individuals with diverse disabilities and their families.

UNMC participants The following UNMC employees have signed up to participate in the Big Splash: Rob Baum Gabriella Castro Mark Dietrich, M.D. Dave Duncan Michael Feloney, M.D. Howard Fox, M.D., Ph.D. Whitney Goldner, M.D. Chip Greene Fred Longo John Longo Mark Meadors Dave O’Dell, M.D. Dmitry Oleynikov, M.D. Bill O’Neill and his daughter Camille Bob Pawloski, Ph.D. Nora Sarvetnick, Ph.D. Mark Smith Keith Swarts Sheila Wrobel, J.D.

“Our goal is to help each person we serve reach their full potential,” said Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., director of MMI. “Through the Big Splash, every member of the community can participate in a fun event while supporting MMI’s efforts to help children and adults with disabilities achieve meaningful accomplishments in their lives.”

Participants also will have a chance to meet three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, Josh Davis, who will help organizers champion advocacy and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Scholarships are still available for children with disabilities to participate in the Non-Traditional Swimmer Challenge at no cost to their families. For more information, contact Melonie Welsh at mwelsh@nufoundation.org or 502-4117.

Big Splash sponsors include Mutual of Omaha, the Omaha World-Herald, Cassling, UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute, Farmer’s Mutual Insurance of Nebraska, Continuum Worldwide, Inc. and Metro Credit Union.

Events include:

Swim and Safety Water Carnival — Friday, Aug. 28, 6 to 9 p.m. at Brownell Talbot

• Swimming lessons;
  
• Family swim;
  
• Water safety activities, exhibits and tests;
  
• Underwater photos; and
  
• A “dive-in” movie.

Competitive Youth Meet — Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-11 a.m. at Westside and Millard South in Omaha and the Devaney Center in Lincoln

• 25-yard of each stroke for 10-year-olds and younger; and
  
• 50-yard of each stroke for 11 to 18-year-olds.

Corporate/Adult Swim Challenge — Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 to 11 a.m. at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

• 200-yard medley and/or 200-yard freestyle relays for four person teams
  
• 100 and 200-yard freestyle individual events

Non-Traditional Swimmer Challenge — Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-11 a.m. at the College of St. Mary — An event for swimmers of all abilities with appropriate supervision and assistance

• Individual events: 50-yard freestyle, 25-yard freestyle and 25-yard backstroke
  
• Buddy relays

The Big Splash Swim & Splash – Saturday, Aug. 29, noon – 2 p.m.

• Omaha area pools will devote lanes for two hours of relays and swimming events.