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- Harvested from Families United to Prevent Drowning
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Athlete Ambassador for Drowning Prevention
- Posted on August 27, 2015
I am Athlete Ambassador for Drowning Prevention. WHY? Because more than 69 Texas children have LOST THEIR LIVES TO A FATAL DROWNING THIS YEAR and it is still summer! Even more children and adults have survived a non-fatal drowning.
Last year, I took my role as a Colin’s Hope Athlete Ambassador to Maui where I raced in XTERRA Off Road Tri World Championships. I raced with great pride to raise awareness and funds for drowning prevention and came in 19th place in my age group. I am happy with my finish BUT I know I can do even better this year-so I will train, race all year and go at it again on November 1st… My 2014 Worlds race finish (you’ll have to watch to see it), made the race highlight video at about the 7:40 mark) and my cause made the XTERRA pre-race blog post –very proud of both of these accomplishments.
I’ll also do the Colin’s Hope Got2Swim Lake Austin 10K on September 3rd as a 3 person relay with 2 of my favorite girls –Keri and Hanna Rimel (11). I also do many triathlons, mountain bike races and trail runs in addition to the BIG ONE. All of these efforts allow me to talk to and impact so many people with amazing conversations–Ultimately, allowing me to raise water safety awareness and funds to prevent children from drowning.
My goal in 2015 is to raise at least $1041.00 to help Colin’s Hope realize their vision of a world where children do not drown. (The $1000 is the goal, the $41 is because I turn 41 this year!!).
I will swim and race again this year to honor and celebrate my nephew Zachary, Colin, Connor, Averie, Joshua C., Brayden, Joshua and Christian D., Zachary C., Brandon, Abbey, Clay, Stewie, Maddy, Kareem, Jack K., Jermaine, Mason, Jaden, Mary Catherine, Ken P and so many others who have lost their lives way too soon. These guardian angels keep me safe and push me up many long climbs, long swims and in the challenging and difficult moments.
Thank you for your support. Every word of encouragement and every dollar pledged can help us save lives. Drowning is preventable. Join me in my vision of a world where children do not drown.
A huge thank you to Bicycle Sport Shop, Pure Austin Fitness, EPC Multisport, coxle Endurance, Chameleon Cold Brew, Alchemy Bicycle Co., Craft of Sweden, RunLab, LoveBean Fudge, APS, Outlaw Protein Energy Fuel and my MANY friends and loved ones for their support and resources to help me prepare for these events. It takes a great deal of time (training) and resources (gear, training plans, childcare etc) and cheerleading to get me to the finish line(s).
You can learn more about Colin’s Hope and take and share our water safety quiz to help raise water safety awareness and prevent drowning.
Drowning is the NUMBER 1 cause of ACCIDENTAL DEATH for Children under 5! But..Drowning is preventable.
Best Day Ever and Mahalo,
Alissa
- Families United 2015 NDPA ConferenceCPR Party