Join Us For A Virtual Event To Support and Honor Our Veterans.

    See more of photos of the 2019 Swim Event

    Ways To Participate in Virtual SWAM20

    For All Of Our Amazing And Dedicated Swimmers, Volunteers And Supporters, Our Hope Is That You Will Continue Your SWAM20 Mission And Join Us In A Virtual Event This Summer.

    SWIM

    KAYAK

    PADDLE BOARD (SUP)

    SEAL TEAM NH CHALLENGE

    We Decided To Make The Virtual SWAM20 Event Inclusive For The Entire SWAM Community

    Since we won’t be able to hold our main event this year on beautiful Newfound Lake, we wanted to allow all of our incredible support paddlers and kayakers to join in on the Virtual event too. You can complete the swim, paddle or kayak in any body of water, any time between July 1st and July 31st.

    Swimmers will have the opportunity to do the swim once or do it as many times as possible during the month of July. Swimmers will also get a link to enter your swim distances and time each day if you so choose. We will have a leaderboard so you will be able to track your progress vs other swimmers.

    Ways To Participate in Virtual SWAM20

    For All Of Our Amazing And Dedicated Swimmers, Volunteers And Supporters, Our Hope Is That You Will Continue Your SWAM20 Mission And Join Us In A Virtual Event This Summer.

    SWIM

    KAYAK

    PADDLE BOARD 

    SEAL TEAM NH CHALLENGE

    We Decided To Make The Virtual SWAM20 Event Inclusive For The Entire SWAM Community

    Since we won’t be able to hold our main event this year on beautiful Newfound Lake, we wanted to allow all of our incredible support paddlers and kayakers to join in on the Virtual event too. You can complete the swim, paddle or kayak in any body of water, any time between July 1st and July 31st.

    Swimmers will have the opportunity to do the swim once or do it as many times as possible during the month of July. Swimmers will also get a link to enter your swim distances and time each day if you so choose. We will have a leaderboard so you will be able to track your progress vs other swimmers.

    Virtual SWAM20 Registration and Details

    Registration for Virtual SWAM20 will be FREE and you can still choose which distance you would like to complete. You can finish the swim in any body of water, any time between July 1st and July 31st.

    If You Already Registered For The Swim:

    We will automatically register you for the virtual swim and you will keep your existing donation page. You will be registered to do the same distance that you originally registered for. If you registered to do the team relay you will be registered for the 1K but can still fundraise as a team. We have also added the option to choose to swim once or to swim as many times as you’d like. Your registration fee will be applied to your SWAM 2021 so save the date Saturday July 17th, 2021. You will receive a code when registration opens in January 21.

    If You Have Not Yet Registered:

    If you have not yet registered and would like to participate, Click Here to register for Virtual SWAM20. Registration will be free and you can still choose which distance you would like to complete or if you’d like to Paddle or take on the SEAL Team NH Challenge. You can also choose to swim the distance once or to swim it as many times as you’d like. A fundraising page will be automatically created for you. Choose a swim distance 1K, 5K, or 10K or choose paddle (SUP or Kayak) or opt for the SEAL Team NH Challenge.

    If You Already Registered as a Volunteer:

    If you have registered as a volunteer you will automatically be registered for the virtual event. Those that were registered to paddle will be moved to that category. All other volunteers will be moved to the category Fundraising Only. This is so that your fundraising page can be transferred for you. You can keep it as it is and raise some funds for Veterans, choose to do the virtual swim, paddle or take on the Navy SEAL Challenge. You can also cancel this registration at any time.

    Virtual SWAM20 Registration and Details

    Registration for Virtual SWAM20 will be FREE and you can still choose which distance you would like to complete. You can finish the swim in any body of water, any time between July 1st and July 31st.

    If You Already Registered For The Swim:

    We will automatically register you for the virtual swim and you will keep your existing donation page. You will be registered to do the same distance that you originally registered for. If you registered to do the team relay you will be registered for the 1K but can still fundraise as a team. We have also added the option to choose to swim once or to swim as many times as you’d like. Your registration fee will be applied to your SWAM 2021 so save the date Saturday July 17th, 2021. You will receive a code when registration opens in January 21.

    If You Have Not Yet Registered:

    If you have not yet registered and would like to participate, Click Here to register for Virtual SWAM20. Registration will be free and you can still choose which distance you would like to complete or if you’d like to Paddle or take on the SEAL Team NH Challenge. You can also choose to swim the distance once or to swim it as many times as you’d like. A fundraising page will be automatically be created for you. Choose a swim distance 1K, 5K, or 10K or choose paddle (SUP or Kayak) or opt for the SEAL Team NH Challenge.

    If You Already Registered as A Volunteer:

    If you have registered as a volunteer you will automatically be registered for the virtual event. Those that were registered to paddle will be moved to that category. All other volunteers will be moved to the category Fundraising Only. This is so that your fundraising page can be transferred for you. You can keep it as it is and raise some funds for Veterans, choose to do the virtual swim, paddle or take on the Navy SEAL Challenge. You can also cancel this registration at any time.

    Swim With A Mission Virtual Event Details

    July 1st – July 31st

    Swim With A Mission Virtual Event Details

    July 1st – July 31st

    How The SEAL Team NH Challenge Works

    A well known Navy SEAL Admiral was talking about how important it is to keep promises. In order to keep promises to others, you first need to keep promises to yourself. So, when asked for an example of how to demonstrate that, he said, try this:

    1. Every day, for 20 days in July, the last thing you do before you go to bed at night and the first thing you do when you wake up: 20 push ups and 20 sit ups. Sounds simple, but be warned, the Admiral says less than 5% of people can actually complete this.
    2. We have a second option for you: pick 1 day in July and at the top of every hour, for 20 hours in a row, you do 20 push-up’s. That will add up to 400 push up’s in one very long day with minimal sleep! Remember you only do 20 at a time. You can also complete the pushups from your knees. This is both a mental and physical challenge! Are you up for it?

    How The SEAL Team NH Challenge Works

    A well known Navy SEAL Admiral was talking about how important it is to keep promises. In order to keep promises to others, you first need to keep promises to yourself. So, when asked for an example of how to demonstrate that, he said, try this:

    1. Every day, for 20 days in July, the last thing you do before you go to bed at night and the first thing you do when you wake up: 20 push ups and 20 sit ups. Sounds simple, but be warned, the Admiral says less than 5% of people can actually complete this.
    2. We have a second option for you: pick 1 day in July and at the top of every hour, for 20 hours in a row, you do 20 push-up’s. That will add up to 400 push up’s in one day! But you only do 20 at a time. And you can do them on your knees.

    How The Virtual Kayak and SUP Event Works

    Since we won’t be able to hold our main event this year on beautiful Newfound Lake, we wanted to allow all of our incredible support paddlers and kayakers to join in on the Virtual event too. 

    1. Register for Virtual SWAM20 Free of Charge and choose a desired distance (1K, 5K, 10K).
    2. Complete your kayak or paddle distance between July 1st and July 31st in any body of water you want. You can choose to complete the distance once or as many times as you want.
    3. We encourage all virtual participants to take pictures and videos of their Virtual SWAM20 and post them on social media to show support for our Veterans and inspire others to join. Everyone who does this will be entered into a raffle to win some amazing prizes! See below for raffle details.

    How The Virtual Kayak and SUP Event Works

    Since we won’t be able to hold our main event this year on beautiful Newfound Lake, we wanted to allow all of our incredible support paddlers and kayakers to join in on the Virtual event too. 

    1. Register for Virtual SWAM20 Free of Charge and choose a desired distance (1K, 5K, 10K).
    2. Complete your kayak or paddle distance between July 1st and July 31st in any body of water you want. You can choose to complete the distance once or as many times as you want.
    3. We encourage all virtual participants to take pictures and videos of their Virtual SWAM20 and post them on social media to show support for our Veterans and inspire others to join. Everyone who does this will be entered into a raffle to win some amazing prizes! See below for raffle details.

    Recognition & Awards

    • Every swimmer who posts a picture or video of their Virtual Swim will be showcased on our website and social media pages
    • The top overall individual and team fundraisers will get special recognition on our website, social media page, newsletter and at future SWAM events.
    • Swimmers will also get a link to enter their swim distances and time each day if they so choose. We will have a leaderboard so every swimmer will be able to track their progress vs other swimmers.
    • If there are 5 or more teams that participate there will be a special prize for the team that logs the most distance throughout the month of July.
    • We have added new fundraising incentives  for Virtual SWAM20 which includes an Official Commemorative Virtual SWAM20 T-Shirt.

    Recognition & Awards

    • Every swimmer who posts a picture or video of their Virtual Swim will be showcased on our website and social media pages
    • The top overall individual and team fundraisers will get special recognition on our website, social media page, newsletter and at future SWAM events.
    • Swimmers will also get a link to enter their swim distances and time each day if they so choose. We will have a leaderboard so every swimmer will be able to track their progress vs other swimmers.
    • If there are 5 or more teams that participate there will be a special prize for the team that logs the most distance throughout the month of July.
    • We have added new fundraising incentives  for Virtual SWAM20 which includes an Official Commemorative Virtual SWAM20 T-Shirt.

    Staying Safe During Virtual SWAM20

    We ask that you kindly follow the state and federal guidelines related to COVID-19 and be safe and responsible during your virtual events. This includes taking all the correct safety precautions.

    Here Are Some Helpful Tips And Reminders:

    • Never swim alone!
    • Check water conditions before entering.
    • Have a plan in place for emergencies.
    • Bring along a spotter/safety paddler just like you would do during our swim race.
    • Make sure you properly hydrate and eat before you begin.

    Staying Safe During Virtual SWAM20

    We ask that you kindly follow the state and federal guidelines related to COVID-19 and be safe and responsible during your virtual events. This includes taking all the correct safety precautions.

    Here Are Some Helpful Tips And Reminders:

    • Never swim alone!
    • Check water conditions before entering.
    • Have a plan in place for emergencies.
    • Bring along a spotter/safety paddler just like you would do during our swim race.
    • Make sure you properly hydrate and eat before you begin.

    Why Would You Want To Race Virtually?

    • Our Veterans Have Sacrificed For Us…Now We Do It For Them
    • Motivation To Train and Stay Active
    • Inspire Others To Join The Mission
    • Engage Virtually With The SEALs
    • Choose Where And When
    • No Crowds, No Waking Up Early,
      No Port-A-Potties
    • Lots of Great SWAM Swag
    • Stay Connected With The SWAM Community

    Why Would You Want To Race Virtually?

    • Our Veterans Have Sacrificed For Us…Now We Do It For Them
    • Motivation To Train and Stay Active
    • Inspire Others To Join The Mission
    • Engage Virtually With The SEALs
    • Choose Where And When
    • No Crowds, No Waking Up Early,
      No Port-A-Potties
    • Lots of Great SWAM Swag
    • Stay Connected With The SWAM Community

    Fundraising

    This is a fundraiser to help support Veterans so we encourage all to fundraise to the best of their abilities. Please fundraise through the link that is created through our website only or send funds directly to us payable to Swimming With A Mission Inc. Remember, EVERYONE can fundraise, not just Swimmers!
    FUNDRAISING REGISTRATION

    Individual Fundraising Incentives:

    • SWAM ’20 T-shirt to any individual that raises $75
    • SWAM ’20 Buff (Great to use as a mask) for any individual that raises $150
    • SWAM  ’20 Beach Towel  for any individual who raises at least $250
    • SWAM ’20 Swim Bag for any individual who raises at least $500
    • Signed Navy SEAL flag for any individual who raises at least $1000

    Team Fundraising Incentives:

    • Same as above EXCEPT you must raise the level for each person (or only get one of each). For example, if you have 4 team members you must raise $300 to get T-shirts for everyone. (All prizes and incentives will be available to pick up on a date TBD or can be mailed upon request).

    Fundraising

    This is a fundraiser to help support Veterans so we encourage all to fundraise to the best of their abilities. Please fundraise through the link that is created through our website only or send funds directly to us payable to Swimming With A Mission Inc. Remember, EVERYONE can fundraise, not just Swimmers!
    FUNDRAISING REGISTRATION

    Individual Fundraising Incentives:

    • SWAM ’20 T-shirt to any individual that raises $75
    • SWAM ’20 Buff (Great to use as a mask) for any individual that raises $150
    • SWAM  ’20 Beach Towel  for any individual who raises at least $250
    • SWAM ’20 Swim Bag for any individual who raises at least $500
    • Signed Navy SEAL flag for any individual who raises at least $1000

    Team Fundraising Incentives:

    • Same as above EXCEPT you must raise the level for each person (or only get one of each). For example, if you have 4 team members you must raise $300 to get T-shirts for everyone. (All prizes and incentives will be available to pick up on a date TBD or can be mailed upon request).

    A Special Tribute To Our Fallen Soldiers

    Join Us in Honoring and Remembering Our Fallen Heroes.

    For the Virtual SWAM20 event we will be honoring the 89 New Hampshire service members who lost their lives in service to our country post Sept 11, 2001. Every registered participant will be paired with one of our eighty-nine fallen heroes. We will be providing each registrant with bios, and stories related to their service member. Our goal is for you to help keep the memory of these fallen service members alive by thinking about them while you train and prepare for SWAM20, and then to swim, kayak, paddle or do the SEAL Team Challenge in their honor. We will be sending every participant a personalized bracelet of their fallen service member. It is our hope that everyone will wear these bracelets or keep them close during their Virtual Events.

    Wall of Honor

    Never Forget The Sacrifices That Were Made

    Navy SO1 (SEAL) William “Blake” Marston
    KIT~ January 10, 2015

    DevGru (SEAL Team 6),  Dam Neck Naval Base, Virginia
    31, of Concord, NH; died in a parachute training exercise at DeLand Airport, FL serving during  Operation Enduring Freedom

    Navy SCPO (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy
    KIA ~ June 28, 2005
    SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Pearl Harbor, HI
    36, of Exeter, NH; killed when an MH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed while ferrying personnel to a battle against militants in eastern Afghanistan serving during Operation Enduring Freedom.

    Navy CPO (SEAL) ​Nathan H. Hardy
    KIA ~ February 4, 2008
    Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team 6)
    29, of Durham, NH; killed during assault on al Qaeda suicide bomb cell in Diyala Province, Iraq serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    FAQ

    What is Virtual SWAM20?

    Virtual SWAM20 is a fundraiser to support and honor Veterans which you can complete on your own time in any body of water you like. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 4th Annual Swim With A Mission race and Veteran festival had to be canceled. This health crisis has impacted us all. The isolation period has been especially challenging for our Veterans. They need our help now more than every so we made the decision to transform our event and make it virtual. We hope you will join us this year for Virtual SWAM20 and we will see you back on beautiful Newfound Lake next year in 2021!

    Do we have to pay to register?

    No, there will be no registration fees for Virtual SWAM20. We do strongly encourage everyone to fundraise for our Veterans. Every cent makes a difference and no amount is too small.

    What happens when I register?

    Once you choose your desired distance and finish registration, you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will automatically be generated a fundraising page upon registration as well.

    What is "SWAM To Remember" ?

    “SWAM To Remember” is a campaign we have launched for the virtual swim. Every registered swimmer will be matched with and asked to swim in memory of a service member who died in the line of duty. Upon registration, you will receive information about the service member you are matched with including their bio and stories related to their service. We will be sending swimmers personalized bracelets of their fallen heroes as well. We hope everyone will wear the bracelet or keep them close by during the swim.

    How Do I Post Pictures Of My Virtual Swim?

    Post your pictures and videos on your preferred social media page and tag us @Swim4aMission using the hashtags #SWAM20 and #VirtualSWAM20. We will then upload your content and feature it on our website at https://swam.org

    Can I make a donation to Swim With A Mission?

    Yes, thank you for your support. On our website there is a Donate Button with full details of how to donate.

    Fundraising Support

    Welcome to the 2020 Swim With a Mission fundraising campaign.  Here are a few helpful hints to achieve success.

    Make a List

    Lists are great, they simplify, clarify and streamline your efforts. The first place to start is from your mobile devices.  Include all your contacts and emails.  More is better.

    1. All your relatives, every single one of them; $20 from each will add up very quickly.
    2. Work colleagues, let everyone know about this great event. Don’t forget to ask about matching contributions.
    3. Neighbors, any club you belong to: book clubs, tennis teams, cross fit groups, gun clubs, running friends, networking groups, religious organizations, VFW Halls, KOC memberships, any place you volunteer, PTA and of course swimming buddies.
    4. Anyone you pay; your accountant, plumber, electrician, mechanic, painter.

    Creative Ideas

    Instead of birthday/holiday gifts ask for a donation.

    Play a board game, card game, dice, pool, darts or left right center with a group of friends and the winner donates the cash.

    If permitted keep a change jar on your desk at work, with a large sign, and ask people to contribute loose change left over from lunch/coffee.

    Restaurant Fundraisers. Contact local restaurants, bars or other proprietors and see if they will donate back a portion of the proceeds to SWAM.

    Host a cocktail party or barbecue to support your mission.  You are asking for help and support.  Keep it simple, light on food and heavy on donations.

    Make the Ask

    Start small.  Make the first ask to someone you know will donate, next to the person you think will help and continue from there.  You are doing this for a great cause. 

    Communicate Via:

    Email     Text    Telephone    In Person    Handwritten Note

    Use your social media outlets:

    Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snap and any other ways you communicate.  Videos are a great way to capture interest.  Perhaps include photos or a video of you training, at the gym, drinking a protein shake, a picture of your new swim goggles, your flip flops, have fun with this.

    @swimwithamssion    #swimwithamission    Facebook

    Communicate and Communicate Again

    Donors are often willing but busy and typically have to be reminded before they commit to helping you.  Our Military protects everyone and our Veterans need and deserve our help. Mention the recipients:  The Navy SEAL Museum, Veterans Count, Dan Healy Foundation to name a few.

    Thank You

    Don’t forget to say thank you.  It is always a good idea to personally thank each person who donates by sending them a handwritten note, an email, a phone call, or give them a shout-out on social media.

    Extra Help

    Please contact us with any questions, we are here to help!

    Suzanne Fischer

    Company Gift Programs

    Remember many companies match gifts…please contact your employer to see if they have a matching gift program.

    Race Results from the Swim Events

    Congratulations to all of our winners, placers and finishers.

    2019 Results at MillenniumRunning.com|2018 Results at MillenniumRunning.com

    Thank you for realizing how important this event is to our Veterans every year. You’re making a difference!