What Happens Here Matters

Valiants Donate Time at Swim for Life

On September 7, 2008, the Manhattanville men’s hockey team was up before the sun to donate their time at the 17^th annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Hudson River Swim for Life.

“It was rewarding to help a good cause, and it was enjoyable to meet new people and get out in the area. Plus I got a really sweet swim cap to take home,” said freshman Owen Chatwin (St. Albert, Alberta).

Tropical storm Hannah threatened to cancel the event, giving Westchester County heavy rainfall the night before the swim, but the sun came out and gave the event a picture perfect day.

The student-athletes spent the morning working with volunteers from all over the Hudson Valley setting up registration tables, tents, picnic tables, and posting signs for the event. A few of the Valiants headed over to the swimmers snack tent, as freshmen Evan Michalchuk (Edmonton, Alberta) and Niclas Wennerlof (Gothenburg, Sweden) spent part of the morning slicing bagels, bananas, and oranges for the swimmers. In the parking lot, other members of the Valiants could be found directing kayakers and swimmers to their respective parking areas and registration tents.

“An event of this magnitude would not be possible without the Manhattanville team’s support,” said Diandra Kodl, Event Director.

This year’s Swim for Life benefited the Leukemia and Lymphoma society and the Friends of Claire. The Leukemia and Lymphoma society is an organization that is dedicated to the fight against blood cancers. Friends of Claire is committed to helping find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. For more information about the Swim for Life visit www.hudsonriverswim.org.