Hey FAST Families,

I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend! 

I have info on our iSwimFAST-a-Thon below. This year we're partnering with an online fundraising platform that will hopefully streamline everything to do with the event.

Kickoff Meeting, Tuesday, July 7

A company representative will join us during afternoon practice to introduce the platform, explain how everything works, and help families get their online pages set up.

We encourage all swimmers and families to attend, even if Tuesday is not normally your practice day.

Tuesday's schedule:

• 10 & Under Practice: 5:15–6:00 PM
• Meeting (Swimmers & Parents): 6:00–6:30 PM
• 11 & Over Practice: 6:30–7:15 PM

Practice that day will focus on preparing for our home meet against Greene Hills the following day.

Online Launch, Thursday, July 9

The representative will return during Thursday afternoon practice as we officially launch our online part of the iSwimFAST-a-Thon. We also invite all swimmers to attend practice that afternoon, even if Thursday is not normally one of your scheduled practice days.

An exact practice schedule for Thursday afternoon will be sent out soon so we can best work around the online launch.

iSwimFAST-a-Thon, Friday, July 17

Our iSwimFAST-a-Thon will take place during our normal afternoon practice times:

• 10 & Under: 5:15–6:15 PM
• 11 & Over: 6:15–7:15 PM

This year, all donations will be flat donations rather than an option of donations per lap or flat donations. Swimmers will then complete laps based on how much they raise.

• 8 & Under: 1 lap (2 lengths) for every $5 raised, up to 20 laps (40 lengths)
• 9–12: 1 lap (2 lengths) for every $3 raised, up to 35 laps (70 lengths)
• 13 & Over: 1 lap (2 lengths) for every $2 raised, up to 50 laps (100 lengths)

Important Notes:

• This is a change from the original date. It has been updated on our team schedule tab.
• There is no minimum fundraising requirement to participate.
• Swimmers are welcome to use any training gear they normally use during practice including kickboards, pull buoys, paddles, and fins.

What Are We Raising Money For?

Before I get into the details, I want to say thank you. Originally, we had planned two fundraisers this summer with the goal of keeping our program costs the same despite rising expenses. Thanks to the support from our families during our Car Wash & Bake Sale, we exceeded our fundraising goal and will be able to cover this year's expenses.

Thank you to everyone who donated, baked, volunteered, helped organize, or simply came out to support the team. Because of that success, we're able to use this fundraiser to invest directly back into our team and our swimmers.

• A large FAST team canopy
  • Used for shade at the clerk at our home meets or as a home base at away meets.
• Numbered Clerk of Course benches
  • We have been borrowing FUMA benches at the clerk of course at our home meets. Having our own set of properly sized and numbered benches would help with organization at the clerk of course.
• Battery-powered misting fans
  • For hot days at both home and away meets
• A new team printer
  • For increased efficiency when printing meet documents.

If we're fortunate enough to exceed those goals, any additional funds will go toward starting a FAST Team Scholarship Fund. Our goal with this would be to make our swim team and swim lesson program more accessible for families, regardless of their financial situation.

Can't Make It?

If you can't attend either the Tuesday or Thursday meeting, don't worry. I'll send step-by-step instructions next week explaining how to create your online page so everyone can still participate.

If your swimmer can't attend the Swim-a-Thon on July 17, just let me know and we'll arrange another time during practice hours for them to complete their pledged laps.

I've attached an information sheet with a little more information about the platform we are partnering with. You don't need to do anything just yet unless you'd like to start filling out the contact sheet. The company representative will also have printed copies available at Tuesday's meeting.

Thank you all again for everything you do to support FAST!

I will see you all on deck!

Coach Mike DiFazio