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Westport, Weston Swimmers Raise More Than $38,000 for Nepal

WESTPORT, Conn. -- The Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat Swim Team and the boys' and girls' swim teams of Staples High School raised more than $38,000 at its “Swim for Nepal” event Wednesday, May 27 at the YMCA’s Bedford Family Center to benefit Save the Children’s relief efforts in Nepal.

Swimmers Scott Adler, Mark Schachter and Aileen Coyne with Gary Shaye, the senior director of Save the Children.

Swimmers Scott Adler, Mark Schachter and Aileen Coyne with Gary Shaye, the senior director of Save the Children.

Photo Credit: Provided

More than 175 swimmers, ranging in age from 6-18, took part in the effort. Top fundraisers were the relay teams of Ella Hecker and Stella Savone ($5,365), and sisters Anwara, Ayaan and Annam Olasewere ($4,485). Aileen Coyne ($2,705), Max Wimer ($2,275) and Mark Schachter ($1,828) led in individual fundraising.

Staples High School senior Daniel Williams (who will be swimming for Bowdoin College next year) swam the farthest by completing 228 laps. Staples senior North Woods (who will be swimming for Loyola University Maryland) came in second with 222 laps.

After a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal April 25, which was followed by a second temblor of 7.3 on the Richter scale May 12, Staples High School junior Mark Schachter mobilized his high school and club teammates to “Swim for Nepal,” according to a press release. The earthquakes have killed more than 8,800 people and injured more than 23,000.

“Swimming has given me so much, and I am grateful for that," Schachter said in a press release. "That’s why I want to use the sport to give back when I can and this is a time when there is a real need. People in Nepal need help right now.”

This was the fourth time in 10 years Westport swimmers raised money for Save the Children. In 2005, the Water Rat Swim Team had a “Swim for Asian Tsunami” relief, raising $19,000. In 2010, the Water Rats and Staples High School swimming had a “Swim for Haiti,” raising more than $45,000. In 2013, the Water Rats “Swim for the Philippines” raised more than $43,000 for Save the Children’s Typhoon Haiyan relief fund.

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