NSPF Awards $10,000 To Angels Of America's Fallen

Non-profit organization for children of fallen military and first responders will provide swim lessons with grant from National Swimming Pool Foundation's Step Into Swim Campaign.

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National Swimming Pool Foundation

Apr 22, 2015, 01:35 ET

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Angels of America's Fallen (AOAFallen), a non-profit organization that helps children of our fallen military and first responders, has received a $10,000 grant from the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) Step Into Swim Campaign™. AOAFallen's mission is to help these children develop into strong and successful adults by providing them positive mentoring and engaging them in healthy activities when they are at their most crucial developmental phase of life. The Step into Swim grant will allow AOAFallen to fund swim program participation for children who have selected this as their favored activity.

Angels of America's Fallen currently supports 202 children in 29 states, with over 140 on a waiting list. There are over 16,000 children of our fallen since 9-11. More than 2300 were already in single parent households. AOAFallen is the first program that has focused on long-term development of the children from very young ages up through adulthood. The gift of swimming with this grant from National Swimming Pool Foundation opens a specter of activities for these children throughout their lives.

We believe everything we do helps people live healthier lives. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary, we believe we can make a difference by encouraging more aquatic activity, making pools safer and keeping them open. We do this by offering the world’s leading educational products and programs that are technically sound, convenient, and beautifully designed. We have given over $4 million in proceeds from our educational products to fund research and help create swimmers.

Angels of America's Fallen partners with local community swim programs. Watch the video. The Step Into Swim grant will enroll at least 22 children in swim lessons in 12 communities around the U.S., allowing Angels of America's Fallen to support children currently on their waiting list who have said they want to learn to swim this year. The grant will cover the cost of the program registration and the gear required, such as goggles and swim wear. This model dovetails elegantly with the recent announcement of the Axiall/Accu-Tab and NSPF partnership that funded $10,000, matching gifts from 41 Accu-Tab specialists who pledged to fund swim activities in their home communities.

"We empower the child to find their particular stress relief and passion. In this case, it is swimming and enjoying water activities. We are excited and grateful for the support from NSPF and Step Into Swim Campaign; their model of funding and our community involvement are a perfect match," said Lt. Col. Joe Lewis, USAF retired, President and CEO of Angels of America's Fallen. In supporting these children, AOAFallen honors their parent, recognizes the child's ongoing sacrifice, and stands with them during the crucial time between the loss of their parent and adulthood.

"The program measures outcomes to assure the activity increases their confidence, happiness and outgoingness," explained Lt. Col. Lewis, who will present at the October World Aquatic Health™ Conference about how their innovative program provides military families with a better quality of life for healthier lives.

"Step into Swim would love for all children of fallen heroes to have their swim programs covered; we are seeking more industry leaders to step up beside us to support families who made the ultimate stand for us," said Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation.

NSPF Board of Directors will visit Donna's Dolphins in Colorado Springs, Colo. later this April, to watch local Angels of America's Fallen children as they enjoy their swim program. Organizations considering partnering with Step Into Swim to deliver more swim lessons are invited to contact NSPF.

Angels of America's Fallen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization built on the idea that, with an average age of seven years old at the time of loss, there should be specific support for these children with guidance and healthy outlets during adolescence. AOAFallen is the first program that has focused on long-term development of the children from very young ages up through adulthood. aoafallen.com

The Step Into Swim Campaign is a 10-year initiative launched by National Swimming Pool Foundation to create one million more swimmers. The White Paper clarifies the logic that creating more swimmers creates a healthier society. stepintoswim.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150422/200457

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100914/LA64045

SOURCE National Swimming Pool Foundation