All-inclusive swimming event raises money for children and adults with disabilities
The event that raised more than $30,000 for children and adults with disabilities in 2009 is back and wetter than ever.
The Big Splash is a recreational and competitive swimming fundraiser that brings together swimmers of all abilities and ages to support the Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. MMI provides care care and service for individuals across the state with diverse disabilities.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21.
A variety of races and relays for recreational, competitive, adaptive and assisted swimmers of all ages will be held at the Westside High School Pool (8701 Pacific St.) from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration is available now.
· The cost is $25 per participant and covers any combination of events and entrance to the Family Swim & Splash Party to be held at the Rockbrook Swimming Pool (10800 W. Center Rd.) from 1 to 3 p.m.
· All swimmers will receive a Big Splash T-shirt and swim cap for participation.
Scholarships are available for adaptive and assisted swimmers. To apply, contact a Big Splash representative at (402) 502-0300.
Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Misty Hyman will be the guest of honor this year. Hyman was diagnosed with asthma in 1984. Today, she helps people recognize their potential and chase their dreams as a motivational speaker and swim coach.
"MMI is all about children with disabilities being a part of the community and helping them to achieve everything they can achieve," said Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., director of MMI. "The Big Splash makes those ideals a reality."
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. UNMC’s extramural research support now exceeds $100 million, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.