We are used to seeing Santa Claus riding in his customary sleigh this time of year, but how about a kayak? Those in attendance at Sunday’s free “Swim Into Christmas” event at the Corbin City Pool were able to see just that, and much more.
The event was presented by the KCEOC Aquatic Club (KAC) and the Kentucky Elementary Swimming organization in order to raise awareness about the sport of swimming, and to help raise much-needed funds for both programs.
Missy Black, a coach for KAC and the head coach at Corbin Elementary School, was present at the city pool Sunday afternoon. She played the role of Mrs. Claus for the day, but took a moment to discuss some of the main ideas behind the organizing of the event.
“We thought this would be a good chance to introduce a lot of people in the community to the dome,” Black said of the heated inflatable cover that now allows the Corbin City Pool to remain open year-round. “People drive by and see this big white marshmallow behind the rec center, but they don’t really understand what it is. This is a good opportunity to let the people outside of our swim teams see what it looks like in here, and for them to know that it is open to the public so that people can come and swim during the winter.”
Black said that, thanks to several sponsors, event organizers were able to offer access to the pool for free between 3-5 p.m., as well as provide attendees with hot chocolate, cookies, and other special treats.
Black said that, despite little advance preparation, she was thrilled with the turnout. She added that plans will be in place in anticipation of even better attendance next year.
Acting KAC Waverunners Head Coach Brian Smith was also helping out with Sunday’s event. He said that the day presented a great opportunity to help raise awareness about not just the dome, but about competitive swimming opportunities for youth in the local area. He explained that both the KAC, which is sponsored by KCEOC Community Action Agency, and the Kentucky Elementary Swimming organization, which currently is comprised of teams from Corbin, Williamsburg and Whitley County, are looking to add youth swimmers in order to help grow the sport and ensure that it has a strong future in this region.
KCEOC President Paul Dole stopped by the pool Sunday. He commented that the organization is happy to support programs that help kids to stay physically active and teach them about the importance of teamwork. He said it provides a good overall experience for the kids who are involved, as well as their parents and/or guardians.
Dole thanked the sponsors who made Sunday’s “Swim Into Christmas” event a success. Those sponsors include W.D. Bryant ACE Hardware, the Corbin Parks and Recreation Department, Laurel Gardens, Tomahawks, the Eli Hill Foundation and Herren Family Dentistry.
For more information on the KAC Waverunners and Kentucky Elementary Swimming, look them both up online via their official Facebook pages.
