Swimming and Diving | 11/10/2016 9:17:00 AM

Connecting with the community and giving back has been a major priority for all Georgia Southern Athletics teams. Each team finds its own way to give back, and for Georgia Southern Swimming & Diving, it has been through partnering with Relay for Life. Last season, the team was honored by the Bulloch County Relay for Life after it raised the second highest total for the 2016 event, leading all groups affiliated with the University.
 
"The main goal we strive for in our athletic department at Georgia Southern is not only about championships and athletic success, but the impact that we leave on each other and our community," said Taylor Kelsch, the 2015-16 captain of Georgia Southern Swimming & Diving. "We strive to build up the school and community and try and leave it better than we found it. The strength in all of those survivors is stronger than any athletic success we will ever have, and that is why we honor them and participate in Relay for Life every year."
 
The Georgia Southern Athletics Relay for Life Team was named "Eagles Soar for a Cure." The team encouraged each student-athlete to donate $5 to the cause. They also participated in "give-back" nights, where local restaurants such as Chick-fil-A and Zaxby's donated 10 percent of their proceeds to Relay for Life. The student-athletes raised over $2,000 for the fight against cancer.
 
Many student-athletes have immediate family members who have been affected by cancer, which made Relay for Life an even more personal event. They were able to connect with the community and show that we are all united in fighting for a cure for cancer. The entire Georgia Southern Athletic body went to the event and cheered on the community during the survivor walk. They were able to be a fan for their fans and honor the many survivors.
 
Georgia Southern Swimming & Diving will be recognized for their hard work during the Football game on Nov. 10 at Paulson Stadium.

Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries. Volunteers give of their time and effort because they believe it's time to take action against cancer. For more information, visit RelayForLife.org

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