Christopher Harris Will Attempt Manhattan Marathon Swim for Charity
Christopher Harris will attempt the Manhattan Marathon Swim on July 6 to raise money for three charities.
The circumnavigation of the island of Manhattan will raise funds for + Pool, Have Faith Haiti and the Worldwide Orphan Foundation. The swim is being organized by URBANSWIM.
Among those accompanying Harris on the swim is three-time American Olympian Anthony Ervin, three-time Guinness World Record Holder Jaimie Monahan and + Pool board member Fleur Sohtz. (Monahan has achieved the Manhattan circumnavigation a number of times.)
“With this swim, I aim to spotlight these organizations’ causes and honor my family’s connection to Haiti and my adopted home, New York,” Harris said in a press release. “I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by incredible coaches, teammates, and mentors throughout my life. I hope to demonstrate that success is a collaborative effort, relying on the support and contributions of others. By raising awareness and supporting these charities, we can help transform the lives of those who need it most.”
Harris swam at Columbia University in the 1990s. His mother was born in Haiti, and he has long used sports as a way to pursue social change.
+ Pool is a non-profit organization that aims to provide access to open-water swimming opportunities in New York City. Have Faith Haiti was founded by author Mitch Albom and based in Port-au-Prince, providing nourishment and education for children and orphans. The Worldwide Orphans Foundation provides education and “trauma-informed, play-based programs in vulnerable communities” in communities on four continents, with an office in New York.
“I am excited to collaborate with Chris and use our athletic platform for good, raising awareness about clean water access, orphan care, and youth development through this monumental swim,” Ervin said. “We believe that united, we can make a difference. Efforts like these will encourage others to take action and engage in supporting causes close to their hearts—whether it be through swimming or other forms of activism—to foster positive change in our world.”
Information about the swim is available here.