The inaugural collaboration, launched in June 2022, began through a partnership with Government Employees Health Association, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, provided funding for up to 200 students’ summer swim lessons and equipment at Parkwood Pool.
Of the student participants, 100% improved their water safety knowledge and abilities. More than 38% of students, which were predominantly of color, had never been submerged in water prior to the program.
The expanded collaboration, which launches in January 2023 is a collaboration between GEHA, the Hunt Family foundation and YMCA of Greater Kansas City will help up to 650 students with swim lessons and equipment through a pledge of nearly $50,000.
These locations will offer the program:
- The North Kansas City YMCA
- The Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter Sr. Community centers
- Sr. Community Center
- The Cleaver Family YMCA
- Kirk Family YMCA
- Providence YMCA/Parkwood Pool, KCK (Summer 2023) – Additional Information will be provided very soon regarding summer participation.
“Being at the forefront of efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive access for underserved communities is in our DNA. It’s why opportunities like the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program Presented by GEHA are hallmarks of the work we do to help close equity gaps for kids in the Kansas City area,” said GEHA President & CEO Arthur A. Nizza, DSW.
The program has been named the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program in honor of Delaney, a record-breaking Kansas City Chiefs running back. He tragically drowned while attempting to rescue three young boys in Louisiana in 1983, after his second professional football season.
“Supporting the Learn to Swim Program, and having GEHA and the YMCA name the program after a true hero and legend in Joe Delaney, is a fitting tribute to addressing water safety and access for all in our community,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.
All students will receive a new swim towel featuring the Joe Delaney decal that was worn in memorial on Kansas City Chiefs players jerseys, free swimsuits, goggles,and sunscreen.
For more information on schedules and eligibility, go here:
Following a successful inaugural collaboration last summer, a program to teach swimming lessons as a way to address barriers to health equity, is being expanded to four additional YMCA locations across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The inaugural collaboration, launched in June 2022, began through a partnership with Government Employees Health Association, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, provided funding for up to 200 students’ summer swim lessons and equipment at Parkwood Pool.
Of the student participants, 100% improved their water safety knowledge and abilities. More than 38% of students, which were predominantly of color, had never been submerged in water prior to the program.
The expanded collaboration, which launches in January 2023 is a collaboration between GEHA, the Hunt Family foundation and YMCA of Greater Kansas City will help up to 650 students with swim lessons and equipment through a pledge of nearly $50,000.
These locations will offer the program:
- The North Kansas City YMCA
- The Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter Sr. Community centers
- Sr. Community Center
- The Cleaver Family YMCA
- Kirk Family YMCA
- Providence YMCA/Parkwood Pool, KCK (Summer 2023) – Additional Information will be provided very soon regarding summer participation.
“Being at the forefront of efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive access for underserved communities is in our DNA. It’s why opportunities like the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program Presented by GEHA are hallmarks of the work we do to help close equity gaps for kids in the Kansas City area,” said GEHA President & CEO Arthur A. Nizza, DSW.
The program has been named the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program in honor of Delaney, a record-breaking Kansas City Chiefs running back. He tragically drowned while attempting to rescue three young boys in Louisiana in 1983, after his second professional football season.
“Supporting the Learn to Swim Program, and having GEHA and the YMCA name the program after a true hero and legend in Joe Delaney, is a fitting tribute to addressing water safety and access for all in our community,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.
All students will receive a new swim towel featuring the Joe Delaney decal that was worn in memorial on Kansas City Chiefs players jerseys, free swimsuits, goggles,and sunscreen.
For more information on schedules and eligibility, go here: