Spring arrived just in time for Big Swim Big Kick, Asphalt Green’s largest event of the year. The sports and fitness celebration attracted over 1,100 kids to participate in a free 25-yard swim meet and soccer festival. Our fundraising benefit, held simultaneously, raised $845,000 to support our free community programs and scholarships.   

 

NY1’s Roger Clark hosted the event, which kicked off with performances from synchronized swimmers and elite divers. Special guests included five-time Olympic gold-medal swimmer Dana Vollmer and University of Florida Women’s Head Soccer Coach Becky Burleigh. This year also marked the 25th anniversary of our AquaCenter, and one of our swim team’s inaugural members Jesse Berland was in attendance to cheer on swimmers ages 6 to 10. 

 

The fun continued on our athletic field. Dynamic Freestyle Soccer Crew put on a show-stopping performance of juggling tricks. Kids put their own skills to the test with a variety of soccer-themed games, including soccer darts, soccer tennis, soccer golf, one-versus-one, and more.

 

Guests attending the benefit heard speeches from Becky and Dana. Becky discussed the importance of finding a sport or activity that you love. Dana shared how learning from failures helped her bounce back to become one of the most decorated US female Olympians of all time and the first USA Swimming athlete to win gold as a mom. Want to hear more from Becky, Dana, and other strong female leaders? Watch our first-ever Big Swim Big Kick Women Empowered by Sports panel.

 

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers and sponsors. The event was successful, in large part, because of your support:

  • Fried, Frank, Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP
  • Glenwood
  • PepsiCo, Inc.
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  • Omni New York LLC
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  • Safety Facility Services, Inc.
  • Hospital for Special Surgery
  • Kings Point Capital Management LLC
  • Ascent Real Estate Advisors, LLC

 

Relive the action; see photos from the benefit and event. Have photos of your own to share? Tag us on Twitter and Instagram @agkidsnyc. See you next year!