Cincinnati’s “Lane 8” Levels Playing Field for Low-Income Swimmers

Photo Courtesy: Adam Monk

By Adam Monk, Guest Contributor.

Why the name “Lane 8”?

Historically, the swimmer in lane 8 is the underdog of the race. This swimmer either had the slowest seed time or the slowest prelim time in a meet, thus giving them the worst odds of winning the race. Much like the guy or gal in lane 8, the kids our organization sponsors are seen as underdogs by lacking the simple essentials for prototypical success in life.

While the odds aren’t in their favor, the swimmer in lane 8, does not have the excuse to give up. They have a lane that is the same length and width as every other lane. Our biggest goal as a nonprofit is to apply this as a metaphor to life. While the road to success for a Lane 8 swimmer is paved with many more potholes, hills and detours than other kids, they still have a life. They still have an opportunity. Our Lane 8 swimmers do not pity themselves. Instead, they adapt.

Lane 8 was launched in April 2014 with the mission of leveling the playing field for Cincinnati’s low-income swimmers. Competing against the elements is tough. Without the proper equipment, it is even tougher. Swimmers know how expensive said equipment is. In Lane 8’s inaugural summer, we were able to sponsor four swimmers from Millvale, a neighborhood of Cincinnati. We used donors’ contributions to purchase swimsuits, swim caps, goggles, towels, bags, and snacks.

Since then, we’ve raised enough funding to sponsor two pools and increase our investment into each swimmer. We have also changed our mission to ‘Establish a strong work ethic and provide the tools for Cincinnati’s inner-city youth to build and maintain suitable life skills through the sport of swimming.’

Photo Courtesy: Adam Monk

Our goal as a nonprofit is for these kids to use the habits taught daily in swimming to overcome the tremendous obstacles in their lives. We hope to be a program kids pour themselves into. We are very proud to say we have been able to retain three of four swimmers from the inaugural 2014 summer!

In our third season, we now sponsor both Bond Hill and Millvale Pools and still hold true to our motto of “earned, never given.”

There are no hand-outs with Lane 8; no senses of entitlement. In return for the suits, caps, goggles, towels, bags, shirts, shorts, pool memberships and school uniforms, we expect attendance at least four of five practices a week. Additionally, we expect respect for coaches, teammates, opponents and themselves, as well as participation in an annual neighborhood clean-up.

The kids learn that nothing in life is given. Every accomplishment must be earned and every opportunity must be capitalized on. Swimming is arguably the best sport on Earth to teach this lesson. In sports, many things can go your way, but at the end of the day, the clock does not lie. It is what makes swimming the perfect platform to teach these life lessons.

With a high school graduation rate of 38 percent and 22 percent for the Bond Hill and Millvale communities, respectively, these life lessons need to be taught and sharpened now. These numbers, although unfortunate and true do not mean all kids have to follow suit. These are just two neighborhoods that reflect thousands throughout the United States, some better and some much, much worse.

The silver lining is statistics are always subject to change. We can change numbers such as these by eliminating the apathy they may see in their future and replacing it with pride and grit.

We look forward to continuing to make the most of our donors’ investment in these kids and potentially changing a life for the better.

Contributions can be made to Lane 8 at www.Crowdrise.com/Lane8Fund2015.

Photo Courtesy: Adam Monk

We send out monthly newsletters the first weekday of each month. These give our donors and followers a very transparent look into where their contributions are going and what has been discussed between board members. It also highlights the preceding month’s donors and provides plans for the upcoming month. Emailing your email address to Lane8Fund@gmail.com will get you added to the list! We currently sit at 100 and would like to reach 200 recipients by 2017!

As a registered 501 (c) 3, your contribution to Lane 8 Fund, Inc is tax deductible!

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Kristie Wisniewski

7 years ago

This is fantastic. My kids swim as Outreach Athletes for USAswimming which is another great program to keep swimming affordable.

Judi s

7 years ago

Awesome sport to be in. Can grow in so many ways with goal setting.