Rowdy Gaines will also conduct a free swim clinic Saturday for members of Swim MAC, the local swim team based at the host site. Gaines has toured the country with The Limu Company's Rowdy's Kidz program since early 2008, mentoring and motivating children at swim clinics, at schools and in hospitals. "I'm really grateful to TLC for making Rowdy's Kidz possible, and for providing me with the opportunity to do what I love," Gaines said. "We've already touched the lives of thousands of kids this way, and the potential is there to do so much more." The Limu Company underwrites all costs at each clinic, allowing every child to participate without paying an admission fee.
Older swimmers, too, will benefit from the wisdom of the Olympian, as he will also host a Masters clinic Sunday at Mecklenburg Aquatic Center. "Just because you've been swimming for a while doesn't mean you can't benefit from a few stroke drills now and then. Going back to the basics is important for every swimmer, not just kids," said Gaines. "Of course, the kids probably have more fun than the grownups, but maybe that's a situation where the grownups should learn from the kids." Olympic Gold Medalist Mel Stewart will participate with Gaines in both clinics.
The Charlotte event is the fifth stop in the six-meet USA Swimming Grand Prix Series, and will feature dozens of Olympians, including Phelps, Katie Hoff, Ryan Lochte, Elizabeth Beisel, Aaron Piersol, Kara Lynn Joyce and many more. "Yeah, it's almost like a family reunion for me," Gaines said. "The swimming community is a very close community, and it'll be great to see all these guys again. We email and text to keep in touch, but it'll be terrific to actually see each other."
Whether it is announcing events, hosting swim clinics, or just interacting with kids, the most important thing for Gaines is giving back to the swimming community. "I want to share with people - and especially kids - how wonderful swimming is, and what it can do for their lives. Swimming teaches discipline, commitment, teamwork; it teaches kids to be better people. I owe the sport of swimming everything, and I want to give back to the sport," said Gaines. "It changed my life, and maybe it will do the same for some of these kids."
