Swim from Bayport Beach Fundraises for LGBT Charities

More than 50 swimmers and 50 kayak escorts took to the Great South Bay from Bayport Beach Saturday morning for a four-mile swim benefiting the Stonewall Community Foundation, a major contributor to LGBT charities throughout New York City, where the organization is headquartered.

The third annual Stonewall Swim drew participants from as far away as Florida, seeking to build stronger ties in the LGBT community while fostering greater self-esteem through sports and recreation, according to Lyle Matthew Kan, the foundation and events manager for Stonewall.

This year's swim kicked off from Bayport Beach, and the swimmers and kayak escorts then traveled to Fire Island Pines by water.

Kan, 25, said the 2011 swim was the most successful to date in terms of fundraising. 

"We are ahead of targeted projections," he said. "We already surpassed last year as of yesterday [Friday] afternoon."

Last year the event raised about $130,000, and this year the swim was expected to raise approximately $150,000, according to the event manager.

Kan said that this type of activity is an ideal way to encompass the foundation's objectives and beliefs.

"It was really a good idea to incorporate our type of values, rather than a dinner. Not only to raise money, but to foster a greater self-confidence through sports and recreation," Kan said. "The sense of accomplishment on all the swimmers' and kayakers' faces really makes the event all that much more worthwhile."

Participants couldn't have asked for better weather or more safety precautions. Boats were lined up in the calm, warm, sunlit water all the way to the pines, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary was on hand.

"We try to do our best to make it a safe, fun event for everyone," Kan explained.  "We have a very diverse crowd of men and woman, and a 13-year-old swimmer. Lots of diversity adds to the excitement."

Wiley Watson, 13, from Miami was by far the youngest swimmer, and was one of the top three fundraisers. He swam the entire way with his mother, Joanna Grover-Watson, 43. His other mother, Olive Watson, was there to show her support. Wiley is one of the fastest freestyle swimmers in Florida, but this was the longest distance he had ever swam. Together, Wiley and Grover-Watson raised more than $20,000.

After the swim, Grover-Watson said the swim is different than other athletic events she's participated in.

"I've done a triathlon, and people get really competitive; it's all about winning, but the difference on Saturday was it was really about supporting one another, and a sense of community. That's why I would consider doing it again," Grover-Watson said.

She is a social worker who deals with gay youth, and believes that this is a cause that resonates with a lot of people.

"I think athletics and being part of a team can really save some people from feeling isolated and alone," said Grover-Watson.  "As a nation we've, maybe, come further with social policy, but there are pockets of this country where kids still struggle with suicidal thoughts, and feeling so different. So, I really like the idea that Stonewall is giving this [money] to recreational programs, and sports programs and encouraging gay youth to be active."