To the editor:

The inaugural ORR swim team just wrapped up a very successful first season as a sport at Old Rochester Regional High School. Both the boys and girls team exceeded expectations, and were competitive in all their meets. The girls finished the inaugural season with a remarkable 7-2 record.

The boys, though undermanned in many meets, had many close contests, and finished up the season with a 1-8 record. One swimmer, Tyler Sjahfiedin, qualified for both sectional and state competition in multiple events.

Since all new sports at ORR must be self-funded for the first three seasons, the community was instrumental in helping the parent group, Friends of Old Rochester Swimming, achieve this goal. The school board asked FORS to raise $7,500 by October 1, 2012 in order to get the season underway. To achieve this, FORS held various fundraisers where the community support was amazing. Also, the Mattapoisett Lion’s Club made the very generous offer to donate the final $3,000 if FORS was able to raise $4,500 to hit the $7,500 goal.

\With much hard work by FORS, the prospective swimmers, and our entire community, the goal set by the school board was met. FORS will continue to hold numerous fundraisers to support our growing swim team throughout the coming years.

For more information regarding these fundraisers, the swim team or FORS, please contact orrbulldogswimming@gmail.com.

On behalf of FORS and the entire ORR swim team, we would like to thank everyone who was instrumental in making this dream a reality. None of it would have been possible without you.

Friends of Old Rochester Swimming and Old Rochester Regional Swim Team