CINCINNATI (WKRC) – On Sunday morning, swimmers plunged into the river for the annual Ohio River Swim!
250 swimmers completed the 900-meter crossing of the river, starting at the Serpentine Wall and across to the Kentucky side and back.
“It has always been my dream to swim the river, so this event is great,” said one participant.
Swimmers who wanted to go the extra mile participated as “Double Dippers.” This small group of participants swam 2.5 miles downstream along the Ohio coast before joining participants in the standard 900-meter course.
The swimmers weren’t just swimming for fun, they were also supporting a good cause. The money raised will benefit Adventure Crew, which connects urban youth in the Greater Cincinnati area with nature and each other through outdoor activities and events.
The nonprofit organization serves Cincinnati Public Schools high schools, seventh- and eighth-graders from select CPS elementary schools, and six schools in Northern Kentucky – a total of 27 schools and nearly 1,000 students per year.
“Events like this help raise money so that the activities can remain free and we can provide swimming lessons to children who have not had the opportunity to learn to swim,” says Libby Hunter.
Through challenging monthly adventures, urban youth can develop the spirit to leave their comfort zone and discover new worlds – outside in nature and within themselves.
