Swim With Purpose Grants $50K to KSU to Complete Next Phases of Aquatic Renovation; Matches Donations Through Year-End
Frankfort, KY — December 3, 2024 — Swim With Purpose (SWP), a charitable initiative founded to raise $1M to support the restoration of the indoor aquatic facility at Kentucky State University’s (KSU) William Exum Center, today announced it has made a $50K grant to fund the design and construction phases of the renovation. The grant brings SWP closer to its mission of restoring swimming opportunities to KSU, the YMCA, and the greater Frankfort community.
To help reach closer to the final target, SWP also announced it is matching all donations through the end of 2024. To date, SWP has achieved almost half of its original financial funding goal.
“While fundraising for projects like this can be challenging, the need for an indoor pool in Frankfort is undeniable,” said Sam Taylor, Chairman and Co-Founder of Swim With Purpose. “The closure of the pool has had a significant impact on our community, with local swim programs, exercise routines, therapy sessions, and youth swim teams all disrupted. This renovation is about more than just a pool -- it’s about restoring a vital resource for health, recreation, and safety.”
Taylor is calling on local residents to advocate for the completion of the project by voicing their support to Frankfort elected officials. “The $50K grant will keep the renovation process moving forward, but we still need more help. We urge residents to take action to ensure the completion of this critical community resource,” he added.
KSU President Dr. Koffi Akakpo expressed appreciation for SWP’s ongoing efforts. “We are grateful for the progress Swim With Purpose has made in raising funds and engaging the community. This project will have a lasting positive impact on KSU and the city of Frankfort, but there is still much work ahead.”
A recent article in The State Journal outlines further details about the project and the actions required to bring the project to fruition.
About Swim With Purpose
Swim With Purpose (SWP) is a charitable fund managed by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Founded by AV industry executive and passionate swimmer Sam Taylor, and endorsed by Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation, SWP aims to revitalize the indoor pool at the Exum Center for the benefit of students, faculty, and the broader community. The initiative will facilitate programs that foster inclusivity and healthy living. To support SWP, please visit: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/-swim-with-purpose.
To subscribe to the SWP monthly newsletter, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
To view the SWP podcast series, click here.