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Swim With Purpose Charitable Fund Goal to Raise $1M Toward Renovations/Swim Programs; Endorsed by Swimming Legend Michael Phelps; Kick-Off Event at KSU 9/19/23

Frankfort, KY — Together, Swim With Purpose, a charitable fund created to restore and renovate the indoor pool facility at the William Exum Center, and Kentucky State University (KSU) have partnered to raise $1M to rejuvenate a community by restoring the Aquatic Center for the students, faculty and staff of KSU, the community and YMCA members in the local area.  

Swim With Purpose was founded by AV industry executive and avid swimmer/swim coach, Sam Taylor, and is officially endorsed by Olympic gold-medalist and swimming legend Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation. It was created to support the re-establishment of the indoor pool facility at KSU’s William Exum Center for the students, faculty and community to utilize for a healthy lifestyle and therapy. Programs will be developed by the University, the community, and the Frankfort YMCA to break generational stigmas and create a safe and teachable atmosphere for children, college students and adults. The fund will also be used for ongoing maintenance and programs that serve the community.

Make a Donation to Swim With Purpose.

Swim with Purpose and KSU are co-hosting an OFFICIAL UNVEILING event:

WHEN:            September 19, 2023, 12 pm- 2 pm

WHERE:          KSU Cooperative Extension Building 105, Room 238 400 E. Main Street

WHAT:            Introduce Swim With Purpose, learn more about the renovation benefits, fund raising status, introduce the Board and see the space at the William Exum Center that will be transformed into the new Aquatic Center for students and the community. 

WHO:              Representatives for KSU, Swim With Purpose and the local community

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University said,  “Kentucky State University is proud to partner with Swim with Purpose to ensure the needs of the greater Frankfort community are met,” He continued, “The pool in the William Exum Center is a community hallmark and will be available for all who need it. We are proud to work with Sam and his board on this initiative.”

According to Swim With Purpose Founder Sam Taylor, “KSU is a public, historically black land-grant university. Unfortunately, statistics show that minorities are 50 percent more likely to drown because of their limited access to pools and swim lessons.” He continued, “Once the pool is ready, the next goal is to start a swim program for college students, faculty and staff. The local high school and swim clubs will benefit from having access to a pool that is in Frankfort. The YMCA has aquatic programs for people of all ages and we will work with the local YMCA to provide swim lessons for those children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this life-saving skill.”

“I, Michael Phelps, support Swim With Purpose’s mission and efforts to renovate and reopen the aquatic center at KSU, an HBCU,” said Phelps. “It’s wonderful to see people and organizations coming together to make a difference in underserved communities. I hope that Swim With Purpose is able to reach its fundraising goal and that the renovated aquatic center can make a positive impact on the lives of those who benefit from it.” 

Swim with Purpose Board of Directors

The carefully-selected Swim With Purpose board of directors is comprised of dedicated individuals who share a passion for promoting healthy living and creating opportunities for community members of all ages. With a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, the board works collaboratively to oversee the organization's fundraising efforts, develop programs, and establish partnerships to achieve the fund's goals of reestablishing the indoor pool facility at the Exum Center. Board Directors include:

Sam Taylor, Founder (Chairman and Co-Founder)

Katrisha Waldridge, Frankfort City Commissioner (Co-Chairman and Co-Founder)

Jamaal Jackson, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, KSU (Board Member and Co-Founder)

Berry L. Popp, Vice President and Commercial Lender, Whitaker Bank (Board Member and Co-Founder)

Nick Belcore, Executive Vice President, Peerless-AV (Board Member and Co-Founder)

About Swim With Purpose

Swim with Purpose is a charitable fund held by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Founded by AV industry executive and avid swimmer/swim coach, Sam Taylor, Swim With Purpose was created to support the re-establishment of the indoor pool facility at the Exum Center for the students, faculty and community to utilize for healthy lifestyle and therapy. Programs will be developed by the University and the Frankfort YMCA to break generational stigmas and create a safe and teachable atmosphere for children, college students and adults. The fund will also be used for ongoing maintenance and programs that serve the community. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.swimwithpurpose.org. 

About Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University is a public, comprehensive, historically black land-grant university committed to advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality teaching with a foundation in liberal studies, scholarly research and public service to enable productive lives within the diverse global economy