SUNY Delhi Receives Grant to Expand Public Access to Swimming

Gov. Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative provides funding for 12 SUNY schools

by Riikka Olson

Delhi, NY (09/13/2024) — In a significant step to increase access to swimming facilities and education in underserved communities, SUNY Delhi has been awarded $40,702 as part of Governor Kathy Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative. This initiative, which allocates nearly $150 million statewide, aims to make public pools more accessible to New Yorkers by expanding opportunities for swimming instruction, lifeguard certification, and improving swimming facilities. SUNY Delhi is among 12 SUNY schools selected to receive funding. The College will use the grant to offer lifeguard instruction and swimming lessons and to provide transportation for children from local 4H groups and nearby school districts to the Kunsela Hall Pool on campus. The grant will also support swim lessons for SUNY Delhi students.

"We are thrilled to be part of this transformative program," said SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff. "The funding we've received will allow us to offer crucial water safety programs to children in our community, while also giving our students access to high-quality swim instruction. We are proud to be a community anchor, helping to ensure that everyone in our area has access to safe, enjoyable swimming experiences."

The NY SWIMS initiative is the state's largest investment in public swimming since the New Deal in supporting the development and modernization of swimming facilities, with a special focus on disadvantaged and underserved areas. The funding not only addresses the urgent need for safe swimming facilities, but also promotes water safety, physical fitness, and community engagement. As drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, expanding swimming facilities and instruction addresses critical needs while promoting the health and safety of New Yorkers of all ages.

For more information on SUNY Delhi's swimming programs, please contact Aquatics Coordinator John Kolodziej at (607) 746-4263.