Laps For Learning 2018 Has Begun

The second annual Eldon Ward Laps For Learning Swim-A-Thon has begun! Laps for Learning is a charity event that raises money to provide Safety Around Water swim lessons to children at Columbus-area YMCAs.

Youth drowning is a major problem in Ohio, especially within the African American community. Youth drownings increase by 119% during the summer, and African American children are three times as likely to drown compared to their peers.

Laps for Learning aims to combat youth drownings by providing children with swim lessons and teaching them how to survive in the water. Laps for Learning was founded in honor of Eldon Ward, who was a leader of E.E. Ward for 50 years. Eldon Ward had a passion for swimming and giving back to his community; creating the Laps for Learning swim-a-thon seemed like the perfect way to pay tribute to his legacy.

Last year, Laps for Learning raised $17,400 to provide Safety Around Water lessons for 232 children. E.E. Ward hopes to increase the number of children who receive lessons with this year’s swim-a-thon.

The swim-a-thon is currently taking place and will last until June 29th. Swimmers can swim laps at any location and take pledges for the number of laps they swim to raise money. On June 30th, the finale swim relays will take place at the Eldon and Elsie Family YMCA. You can sign up by visiting Eldon and Elsie Family YMCA or calling to register at (614) 252-3166.