The second annual Dolphin Dash was an amazing success! Over the course of 3 hours, 34 swimmers (ages 3-47) swam 2,022 laps or approximately 32 miles to raise funds and awareness for hydrocephalus research! Most swimmers were 5-10 years old. The longest swimmers were Hannah J (age 9) and Libby B (age 10) who swam 2.5 and 2 miles, respectively! Despite their young age, 27 of the 34 swimmers swam at least 1/2 mile or more! The youngest swimmer was 3 years old and he swam 7 laps! Everyone was blown away by the endurance and commitment of the kids. This cause truly touched their hearts and brought out the best in them! Three coaches lifeguarded the event and were so moved by the efforts of their swimmers, that one of the coaches couldn’t hold back any longer and jumped in and swam a mile!
The 2017 Dolphin Dashers!
The event began as participants heard the stories of Parker and Lilly, two of their teammates living with hydrocephalus! Lilly and Parker kicked off the swim by swimming the first lap! Parker continued to cheer on his teammates, which included his younger brother (7) who swam a mile and sister (5) who swam 50 laps! Lilly swam a mile and so did her sisters Addie (8) and Chloe (8), as well their Dad TJ.
It was a multi-generational family affair, as Lilly’s grandmother manned the sweet treats concessions stand, while Parker’s Dad was keep the crowd rocking as DJ! About an hour into the event an ice cream truck stopped by, which was a big hit, and even the owner of the truck was moved by the cause — he is donating a portion of his proceeds to Team Hydro!
The Dolphins really gave it their all. In the weeks leading up to the swim, one family made flyers about the swim and put them in neighboring mailboxes, while another family held a lemonade stand and donated proceeds to the cause. What an inspiring show of selflessness and love!
Of course, it wasn’t ONLY about swimming, donations, and fun! Those attending the swim had the chance to learn more about hydrocephalus, as stories of people impacted by Hydrocephalus were displayed all around the pool! Swimmers wrote inspirational messages on blue balloons, which were ceremonially released at the end of the event, as a symbol of hope!
We are SO grateful to have the Dorset Dolphins as a part of the Team Hydro Family. What an inspiring group of kids and parents (and grandparents)! Thank you to all of you — you truly are a shining example of using your talents to serve and lift up others, making the world a better place!
So far, the Dolphins have raised nearly $6,000 — every penny of which will go toward supporting hydrocephalus research! If you’d like to show these kids their efforts are valued and appreciated, you can make a donation here!
