Clemson Swimming and Diving Teams Spearheads a successful Relay for Life Event

May 17, 2005

CLEMSON, SC–The Clemson men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams both participated in the recent American Cancer Society Relay for Life fund raising event recently held at Clemson.

Combined the Clemson Swimmers and Divers raised over $12,000.00 for the American Cancer Society.

“The Clemson Swimming and Diving teams really showed how to be an example of ‘the perfect team,’ said Debbie Smith, the Income Manager of the American Cancer Society’s South Atlantic Division. “Led by Assistant Coach Leslie Hasselbach, the Clemson Swimming and Diving team raised over $12,000.00 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life at Clemson University. The enthusiasm, high energy and commitment of this team showed their determination to ‘drown’ cancer!

“Kelly Urso, the survivor chair and current Clemson swimmer did an awesome job for the survivor’s who walked and had a tent decorated to the hilt for the survivors and had great food as well!

“This team certainly knew the “Spirit of Relay” and did a stellar job. I congratulate the Clemson Swimming and Diving teams for their diligence and persistence to make this year the finest, most organized and highest income producing Relay For Life at Clemson so far. They certainly rose to the monumental challenge of raising the most money at this relay.

“Although we cannot rest until we find a cure for all forms of cancer, always remember that the work you are doing today will help save countless lives tomorrow.”

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research, advocacy, education and patient services programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It unites millions of people in thousands of communities nationwide each year to raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from the disease. Every dollar you raise makes a difference to people whose lives are touched by cancer. Relay started with one man’s vision, and now is the largest nonprofit fundraising event in the world. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is one important way to make a difference in the fight against cancer. This year, three million Relay For Life participants in 4,200 local communities across the country will raise millions of dollars to fuel the American Cancer Society’s mission. As the nationwide, community-based volunteer heath organization, the American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

“It was great to have the swimming and diving team so involved in this year’s Relay For Life,” said Clemson Diver and this year’s Chairperson for the Relay for Life, Jennifer Bires. “Students look up to and support athletes on this campus. With their involvement it helps us get everyone excited about the event.

“We really do appreciate all of the hard work, that the athletes, and especially the swimming and diving team put into Relay For Life.”