Adam Kennedy Hired as Executive Director of Greater Richmond Aquatics Center

CHESTERFIELD, Virginia, October 3. IN yet another step to making the new Aquatics Center a reality, the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership (GRAP) announced today it has hired Adam Kennedy to be the Executive Director for the Center. Mr. Kennedy hails from Stockton, California where he was the head coach for the University of the Pacific Swim Team.

When asked why this position interested him, Kennedy responded, "The clarity of passion and purpose the Partnership and its board of directors possesses for swimming and improving the lives of residents has become a model for other communities to emulate. The GRAP Aquatics Center is an opportunity to affect positive long term change in the lifestyles of Greater Richmond community members through aquatics." Kennedy continued, "It's an opportunity for Richmond to be seen as an aquatic sports destination by local, regional and national swimming organizations around the country. In short, GRAP's mission is rooted in very big, impactful ideas that are incredibly energizing and exciting."

While at the University of the Pacific, Kennedy successfully led both the men and women's swim teams. Prior to joining the university, he served as Assistant Men's Swimming Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the Naval Academy. Bill Roberts, US Naval Academy head coach said, "Adam is great with parents, very personable and motivated with all that he does. He is a very aggressive recruiter being more proactive rather than reactive. Adam really has no weaknesses. He is a ten out of ten and does a great job with regards to all aspects of his position."

As the public face of the center, Kennedy's first priority is to build the Chesterfield County Schools' Learn-to-Swim pilot program slated to start in spring of 2012. Kennedy plans to spend time learning about the area to understand how the center can help residents achieve healthy lifestyles. Connecting with community leaders and organizations in order to collaborate on Richmond initiatives, specifically bringing local and regional swimming contests to Richmond is another key priority.

"The search committee was impressed by Adam's understanding and belief in the opportunity to leverage a new regional aquatic center to benefit the community. He understood the value of learn to swim programs, competitive swim teams, sports tourism and the role of aquatic fitness," Jon Lugbill, Executive Director, Sports Backers "We believe Adam will not only be a great leader for the new facility but will help to strengthen the regional aquatic programs for the entire area."

Kennedy has an undergraduate degree from Davidson College and a Master's from Ohio University. Adam and his wife Amanda look forward to their new life in Richmond. "Richmond has so much to offer: history, recreation, great weather, and incredible people—we don't think we could ask for a better place to live," Kennedy continued. Adam has relocated to Richmond and will be joined by Amanda and their dog, Bogart in November.
The Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership is collaboration between Collegiate School, Trinity Episcopal School, Poseidon Swimming, Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and Sports Backers.

The 50,000 square foot Aquatics Center will feature three pools including the pool used at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, NE. The 50-meter eight-lane competition pool with moveable bulkheads will be the cornerstone of the center. Aquatics Center patrons will also have access to a therapy pool and a 25-yard warm water pool available for lessons and other water sports. A vast 7,000 square foot mezzanine grandstand will seat up to 700 spectators. The facility will boast a community room, an indoor fitness facility, ample parking, locker rooms and plenty of storage space. In the future, it will offer a 5,000 square foot space for physical therapy and rehabilitation services. The Aquatics Center will be located in Ukrop Park, near the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Route 10 in Chesterfield County, and will cost an estimated $14 million to build.

A Campaign Cabinet of some of Richmond's most influential leaders has been assembled to see this vision come to life. Some of the members include Bill Axselle, Bobby Ukrop, Marcus Weinstein, John Watkins, Fred Tattersall, Shawn Boyer, Tom Chewning, Keith Evans, Tom Goode, Marcus Newsome, Mary Doswell, Rob Estes, Jon Lugbill, Jerry Fox, Palmer Garson, Bruce Heilman, Jim Holland, Stephanie Kirksey, Bryce Powell, Tom Rohman, Rick Sharp, Wally Stettinius, Nancy Thomas, Walter Robertson, III and Jim Weinberg.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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