We are excited to host the First Annual Jim Cooney Swim-a-thon at Great Kills Swim Club on Thursday, July 22, 2021.
Participants in the swim-a-thon will pledge to swim a set amount of laps and raise money from family and friends in doing so. We are looking for sponsors for each COMPLETED lap.
The amount of laps pledged to swim in completely up to the participants but here is the suggested laps per age group:
8 & Under: 8 Laps
9-10: 12 Laps
11-12: 20 Laps
13-14: 30 laps
15+: 40+ laps
All swimmers and divers on a Staten Island Interclub team have been pre-registered for the event. All others are welcome and can register through this link and you will receive an email with fundraising details.
Please help us reach our goal!
---- About Jim Cooney ---
Jim was an integral part of the swimming and diving community on Staten Island. Most notably, he was the Swimming and Diving Coach of Great Kills Swim Club from 1980 to 2011. Over his 31 years at GKSC, he made an impact on over 3,000 athletes.
Jim had a way of making every practice, race, meet and most importantly- child, feel like they mattered. When he was coach, each and every child on the team was proud to be a part of it. He had a away of remembering every child and having a fun nickname for them. He never missed a race or a dive. In fact, before a race, you could always hear him shouting from the sidelines and during your race you could find him pacing the sides of the pool. After a dive, you could look to him for a subtle nod of approval that would motivate you through the rest of your list.
There is no doubt that his 31 year reign as coach has a lasting legacy at GKSC and the rest of Staten Island Interclub. Every coach that has worked with him or after him has channeled his energy and motivation. His presence is still very much alive at Great Kills Swim Club and in Staten Island Interclub. Last year in 2020, an award was started in his name. The Jim Cooney Memorial Award is given to a swimmer or diver from any of the five Staten Island Interclubs, that has a true passion for the sport- just like Jim did. The recipient is someone who will continue to participate in the sport as either an athlete, coach or volunteer. Jim introduced so many children to the sport of Swimming and Diving and it made an impact on so many people. The recipient of his award is someone who has been impacted in the same way and that also strives to impact others through the sport.
Even though, Jim only coached most of his athletes in the summer, he has impacted and started so many successful swimming, diving and coaching careers. There are countless numbers of collegiate athletes that credit Jim with motivating them to continue swimming and diving through the years and coaches who aspire to impact others as he did.
It is not often that an athlete is lucky enough to have a coach like Jim, which is why it is so important to keep his legacy alive.
If you have any photos you would like to add to this page or that can be used at the event, please send them to cocollyer90@gmail.com.