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David Gelfand was born with only a partial thighbone and has worn a prosthetic limb since he was old enough to pull himself up. But that hasnt stopped him from competing in swimming. But next month, the Weston Middle School sixth-grader will take on the challenge of event organizer.
He will run a Swim-a-Thon at the middle school pool from 5 to 9 p.m. April 9 to benefit Weston Swimming, of which David is a member, as well as the Challenged Athletes Foundation, or CAF. CAF is important to me personally because I have received so much inspiration and peer support from the accomplished challenged athletes associated with this organization, said David. CAF gives grants to help disabled athletes pay for the expensive equipment that insurance wont cover, and the training funds to participate in athletic competitions.
David has participated in many events for challenged athletes, including the National Junior Disability Championships, where he won several gold medals in the backstroke. He also swam on a relay in the San Diego Triathlon for Challenged Athletes.
The swim-a-thon is open to all ages. Participants will swim in 15-minute segments and receive a raffle ticket for every four laps they complete. Prizes include an iPod and gift certificates to local restaurants and stores. Entry fees are $20 per participant for the first 15 minutes for swimmers under age 18, and $40 for swimmers over 18. Each additional 15-minute time slot is $20. Swimmers can register online or by emailing David at caf.weston@yahoo.com.
Do you plan to attend or swim in the fundraiser? What can you do to help Weston Swimming and the Challenged Athletes Foundation?
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