Swim Across America bringing Olympic swimmers to Richmond

Swimming enthusiasts, including Olympians, kayakers and volunteers will take part in Swim Across America’s inaugural Richmond Open Water Swim.

The Saturday, Oct. 6 swim will feature participants that fundraise for cancer research. The money raised will go directly to support cancer research at the world-renowned VCU Massey Cancer Center in Richmond.

American Legion Post #354 in Midlothian will play host to the event. Swimmers will participate in one of four distance swims: Half-mile, 1-mile, 2.4-miles or 5-miles. Following the swims, participants and volunteers will be treated to a post-event brunch, awards ceremony and donation presentation.

Swim Across America is a national non-profit that runs swimming-related events throughout the country to support cancer research at the most highly recognized hospitals and institutions. To date, more than $70 million has been raised nationwide over the last 30 years and more than 100 Olympians have participated in SAA events. For more information, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org.

VCU Massey Cancer Center is among the top 4 percent of cancer centers in the country to be designated by the National Cancer Institute to lead and shape America’s cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts every form of cancer research, including basic science, translational, clinical, social, behavioral and population sciences research; provides state-of-the-art cancer treatments and cutting-edge clinical trials; serves as a vital resource for oncology education, teaching and training; and promotes cancer prevention.

Since 1974, Massey has been an internationally recognized center of excellence. Massey provides award-winning cancer care at multiple sites throughout Virginia by leading cancer sub-specialists and offers one of the largest cancer clinical trial menus as well as a statewide network that brings trials to communities across the Commonwealth. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by discovering, developing, delivering and teaching effective means to prevent, detect, treat and ultimately cure cancer.

Visit Massey online at www.massey.vcu.edu or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.