Swim for Life Meet 2012

David Arukwe. You might want to remember the name.

Two years ago, David didn’t know anything about flip turns, diving blocks or medleys. He also had his dad.

Today, the 11-year-old competes on two A.E. Finley YMCA swim teams, the outreach team and the traditional summer swim team.

David started learning basic swim strokes at YMCA Camp High Hopes, the A.E. Finley YMCA’s subsidized summer day camp.

“Most of these kids, like David, didn’t know how to swim before they came to our Y camps,” said Kendall Harris, YMCA of the Triangle community outreach director. “At the Y, we consider swimming a life skill. That’s why we incorporate daily swim lessons into our outreach camps.”

When David’s dad died suddenly last Thanksgiving, time in the pool proved to be a positive distraction.

“Where can I start? He comes alive in the water,” says Queen Arukwe, David’s mother. “David wants to be like Michael Phelps. He’s motivating his siblings in the pool too.”

David also motivates his teammates. Today, the 11-year-old is developing a strategy to guide his relay team to a victory.

“The first or last swimmer has to be a booster,” exclaims David to his team.

“You go first, David. You’re the best,” says another member of the Finley Y relay team.

On July 28, David joined more than 150 YMCA of the Triangle outreach campers who dove into the Third Annual Swim for Life Meet. The event provides an opportunity for campers from the Alexander, Cary, Durham, Kerr, Kraft and Finley YMCAs to show off their new skills in a competitive setting.

Swimmers competed in the breast stroke, back stroke, freestyle and butterfly. The YMCA branch with the most points earned top honors.

Organizers say winning isn’t the ultimate goal.

“Nearly 60 percent of African-American children can't swim,” said Anthony Hardison, Kerr Family YMCA community outreach director. “According to a USA Swimming study, white children are twice as likely to know how to swim. Our YMCA strives to break those barriers in the pool.”

David broke some meet records, won his heats, earned MVP honors and led the Finley swim team to an overall win.

“I wish my husband was here to see this,” said Queen with tears streaming down her face. “But, the kids know he’s proud of them.”

So are we. Remember the name. David Arukwe.

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More than 800 children attend YMCA summer day camp on full or partial scholarship. Swim instruction is a part of each camper’s day. Donations to the YMCA’s Annual We Build People program fund those opportunities.

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE OLYMPICS

As all eyes focus on the 2012 Olympics in London, we sat down with YMCA of the Triangle (YOTA) Swim Coach Chad Onken.

YOTA Head Coach Chad Onken

After all, nine of his former and current Y swimmers qualified to compete in the Olympic Time Trials. Former YOTA Swimmer Charlie Houchin will swim alongside Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps in a quest for a gold medal in the 800 Free Relay.

What do you say to a young swimmer who wants to be the next Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte or Charlie Houchin?

Focus on your own development in the water. It's not a race against other people in your event. Our goal is to help our athletes eliminate their weaknesses and expand their own strengths.

Nine YOTA athletes qualified for the Olympic Time Trials. Can you put that in perspective?  

Not every team in the country had athletes at this meet -it's quite a privilege to have one swimmer at Olympic Trials. Keep in mind, in 2000, YOTA didn't have a qualifier. In 2004, we had one. In 2008, we had a small group of former YOTA swimmers at the meet, but none representing YOTA. We are blessed to have nine athletes who qualified for this year’s event.

What is the recipe for YOTA success in the pool?

It really is a team effort. First, I credit the culture of the YMCA. We have a

team-first focus that has created a family atmosphere. We work hard on the long-term development of our athletes. Our coaches are ridiculously talented. They really are the best coaching staff in North Carolina. It also helps that we have great athletes who are very goal-oriented. They simply get the job done.

The success of the YOTA Swim Team makes spectators wonder if there is something special in the water.

I wish it were that easy. I'm proud of the YOTA organization and everyone who is involved with what we do. I'm even more excited for the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympics. I feel confident that the YMCA will be sending even more athletes!

This summer has been amazing for the YOTA Swim Team. How proud are you?

Outside of the actual Olympic Games, the Olympic Time Trials in Omaha was the largest stage for our sport. It was amazing to have so many YOTA athletes represent us there. Many of these athletes have been swimming with the Y since they were very young. It makes me feel good about the YOTA program and what we’re doing.

July's Best Snack

There is more to celebrate this July than our nation’s birthday. It’s also National Blueberry Month!

Did you know that blueberries are one of the best sources for vitamins A, C and E? The little berries contain antioxidants and can boost health, helping to prevent internal infections, and even cancer.

Here are some quick, easy recipes to make the most of this summer fruit:

• Smoothie: Blend low-fat organic vanilla yogurt, ice, and fresh fruit for a refreshing snack this summer. Combining blueberries with other favorite fruits will produce you the perfect sweet treat.
• Yogurt Parfait: Mix low-fat organic vanilla yogurt, granola and blueberries for a protein-rich snack.
• Salad: Spruce up your favorite salad for sweet option. Top off with a light poppy seed dressing. 

So celebrate the red, white and blueberries. 

YMCA Healthy Communities Day 2012

When we say we strengthen the foundations of the community, we mean it at the Y.

Our YMCA Healthy Communities Day is one of the easiest ways to show you how we focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

On July 12, we joined forces with our community health partner, WakeMed, to provide free medical screenings to children who need them most. In fact, this is the fourth year we've hosted the event.

We couldn't offer this gathering without the help of Saint Augustine’s University, the permanent home of our largest outreach camp, the Alexander Family YMCA’s Camp High Hopes.

Here's a look at the numbers.

• More than 850 children in YMCA Camp High Hopes, the YMCA’s subsidized summer day camps, received free health screenings
• Participating branches included the A. E. Finley YMCA, Alexander Family YMCA, Cary Family YMCA, Durham YMCAs, Kerr Family YMCA and Kraft Family YMCA.
• Health screenings included blood pressure and scoliosis checks by WakeMed, vision checks by Eye Care Associates and dental checkups by Wake County Healthy Smiles.
• Educational exhibits provided by the Raleigh Police Department, 4-H, Interfaith Food Shuttle, Safe Kids and the Poe Center.
• The YMCA of the Triangle’s annual We Build People campaign allows more than 1,100 children to participate in YMCA Summer Day Camps, Y Learning and other Y programs regardless of their ability to pay.

The numbers are impressive. But, the results of Healthy Communities Day are simply amazing.

FAMILY FUN: JUST ADD WATER

Summer trips to the pool are a great way to dive into some old-fashioned fun with your family.

Practice basic swimming skills like kicking or floating with your younger kids.

If your children are capable swimmers try some of these classic pool games. If you don’t remember the rules, don’t worry. We’ll catch you up on the basics.

Marco Polo

Who doesn't love this fun water game of tag? One person is ‘it’ and counts (usually underwater) as the other participants scatter around the pool. When the person who is it comes up, she yells ‘Marco,’ keeping her eyes closed. The other participants respond with Polo! This call and response continues until the person who is ‘it’ tags someone.
It only takes two to play this classic pool game, but the more the merrier.

Simon Says

This traditional game takes an exciting twist when you’re in the pool. Players all line up with the exception of one player who is designated ‘Simon.’ Simon calls out directions for the other players. (Some examples of commands are jump, twist, dunk underwater, or cannonball in the pool). Players who don't follow Simon's orders are eliminated. The last player standing wins.

London Bridge

Two players stand in the water holding each other's hands shoulder level forming a 'bridge'. The other players then walk below the bridge one by one. Each time a player passes under the bridge, the bridge is lowered. Eventually the players must swim under the water to cross the bridge. This helps strengthen your child’s agility, concentration and coordination. It’s also a lot of fun!

Sharks and Minnows

This is the pool version of tag. One player is designated the chaser and must count to a certain number before chasing other players. The player tagged by the chaser then becomes the new chaser. Just remind your children to be mindful of other’s space in the pool.

Pool Rule

Remember, only play these pool games with a lifeguard or responsible adult watching.

We hope to see you at one of our Y pools.

Chick-fil-A President Unveils Leadership Toolkit at YMCA

Few entrepreneurs attend business seminars armed with a Slinky, a runner's baton, and an 18" pepper mill. Dan Cathy, however, arrived with all three—and a large fuzzy cow.

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy shares his leadership
toolkit at an Alexander Family YMCA luncheon.

On June 21, Chick-fil-A president and COO Dan Cathy shared his unique approach to leadership at a luncheon at the Alexander Family YMCA. While nearly 300 of Raleigh's business leaders watched, Dan unveiled a brown leather satchel containing the secrets to his success, his personal toolkit for effective leadership.

"When I get home this evening," Dan said, "I'm going to jump on my lawnmower and cut grass for a few hours to recover from all this extroverted interaction!"

The Leadership Toolkit
A self-pronounced introvert, Dan counterbalanced his quiet nature by developing an intentional approach to leadership. To prove his point, Dan pulled a railroad spike from his brown satchel.

"Stay on track," Dan said. “Every time a Chick-fil-A customer says 'thank you,' every one of our employees always responds with 'my pleasure’—a custom my father established through persistence."

The rusty railroad spike was followed by a parade of humorous but poignant visual aids. A Slinky—admonishing leaders to "go first" into new territory; a runner's baton--reminding the audience to groom successors; a pepper mill—stressing the value of quality service; and a conductor's baton to illustrate the importance of planning, practice and skill (an appropriate analogy for Dan who has played the trumpet for nearly 50 years).

Lasting Impressions
The lunch included a debut of the Chick-fil-A cow mascot, snippets of Chick-fil-A's newest commercials, and even a video of S. Truett Cathy, Dan's 91-year old father and the company founder. But Dan's closing remarks contained what may have been the event's most memorable moments.

Producing a cell phone and a small Bible from his coat pocket, Dan said, "Don't become so enamored with technology and business that you forget what really matters. Be bold. Be strong. Be courageous."

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: A Survivor's Story

Last summer, the YMCA of the Triangle launched LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at the Cary and Alexander Family YMCAs. Since then, nearly 60 cancer survivors have participated in the 12-week health and fitness program. Specially trained Y staff lead the twice a week sessions. Here’s the amazing part - this program is free to participants. This summer, we’re launching the program at the Kraft, Finley and Lee County YMCAs!

At the Y, we’re committed to supporting our friends, families and neighbors in their fight against this disease. After you read Debbi Braswell’s story, you’ll know why.

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It took a few years and lots of twists and turns before I started volunteering at the Y.

When my family joined the Cary YMCA in 2008, we never connected with anyone. We came. We worked out. We left. My husband, Kevin, and I are both introverts, so it takes a lot to draw us out. (Our 10-year-old son, Alexander, on the other hand, has never met a stranger!)

Fast forward to 2009. That’s when Kevin was laid off.  We thought about giving up our Y membership to cut back, but we decided our health was too important. Four months later, I learned that I had stage III breast cancer.

Debbi (top row, far left) and her LIVESTRONG group.

God has seen me through the struggle of my life, including three surgeries, four months of chemotherapy and radiation. I was severely anemic, but I did my best to walk with a friend. Sometimes I had to sit on a curb to rest.
Eventually I returned to the Y, feeling lonely and lost. I didn’t know how to go about my recovery. How much exercise – and what kind - was too much and how much was too little? Finally one day I asked Cheryl Dichard, who had given me my orientation, if the Y had any help for cancer survivors.

I was shocked to learn that Cheryl was a 16-year cancer survivor! She told me that the Cary Y was preparing to launch a pilot program for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. It’s a 12-week program designed to help cancer survivors improve not only the functioning of their bodies, but also the quality of their lives.

I was in! I scheduled an upcoming surgery so that I could start LIVESTRONG a few weeks post-op. I even postponed the next surgery so I could finish the program. I loved it! Cheryl and Beth Blount gave us just the right mixture of encouragement, instruction and challenge. We all wore yellow LIVESTRONG T-shirts and called ourselves The Killer Bees!

I went on to recruit a good friend and fellow cancer survivor who joined the group. About that time I was invited to volunteer with the group. You might think I would pounce on the chance to stay involved.

But I considered the time invested. And I wondered – what could an introvert like me contribute to LIVESTRONG? That’s when I had my epiphany. Knowing that God had allowed me to go through the dark valley of cancer, I realized it would be selfish not to share the strength, encouragement and perspective He’s helped me gain through the journey.

So I volunteered, and I will be forever grateful. I still cannot believe the incredible people who joined the third LIVESTRONG group. Some were quiet, some were funny, some had hair, some were growing their hair back. We all jelled! You wouldn’t believe how much fun we had – or how hard we laughed! Sometimes visitors looked a little baffled by us. Was this really a cancer support group?

It’s true that our group struggled through some awful times. Some people like my dear friend Jessi had their cancer recur. She started as a volunteer with me, but she needed to become a participant again. She is a STRONG, STRONG woman! Another amazing woman named Lindy got worse and died. Lindy had a beautiful personality and none of us will forget the day she gathered two people to join her in doing the “Monkees walk.” (If you didn’t grow up in the ‘60s, look it up on YouTube!)

LIVESTRONG has been a wonderful way to feel a connection – to share a common experience. Although the group spent serious time working out, Beth and Amanda Dismukes made sure there was also time for talking and reflecting. This investment of time has resulted in enduring ties. Although this group finished a couple of months ago, the participants still email each other. One person held a fancy tea for the group. Most people attended Lindy’s funeral.

My official volunteer duties weren’t very challenging. I wiped weights and helped stack chairs. The most difficult task, at first, was talking to participants while they did their cardio workouts. I thought,  me, an introvert making small talk? What on earth could I say? But apparently even an introvert can make a workout more tolerable. I guess all a volunteer needs to be is herself.

If you’re interested in participating or volunteering, contact us at LIVESTRONG@ymcatriangle.org.