2004 and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Peter Vanderkaay joined Team Blue earlier this year to help raise money and awareness for global water issues. Team Blue is a project of Blue Planet Run—an organization that addresses the billion people around the world who lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

Right now, Peter is training to compete at the National Swimming Championships in July. He estimates that he will swim 560 miles in training during the next few months, and he is using those miles to raise money for Blue Planet Run.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Peter about swimming, life, and his dedication to promoting safe water access. Check out what Peter had to say:

 

When did you start swimming?

I started swimming when I was 7 years old. I never dreamed that I would be swimming at age 25 professionally or at the Olympics.  I never had that goal when I was younger.  Growing up, I had a love for the sciences and either wanted to be a doctor or a medical researcher. I still really do love science, so who knows where my career may lead outside of the pool.

What sparked your interest in global water issues?

Growing up in Michigan, my family spent a lot of time outdoors on the lakes in the summers. Being a swimmer, I've always had an affinity to the water and as I grew up, I became more aware of the issues surrounding clean water. I'd love to make sure that people have the same opportunities to enjoy water that I have had. I feel that if there is any way I can help, I need to get involved.  

How did you get involved with Blue Planet Run?

After the Olympics in Beijing, I knew I wanted to further commit myself to raising awareness about the world’s water crisis. I did some research and came across Blue Planet Run, who combine two of my passions: clean water and exercise.  They have helped further my understanding on the breadth of the crisis and have intensified my passion to make an impact.

Where have you traveled to since joining Team Blue?

So far I have traveled to Chicago and the surrounding areas since joining Team Blue. Because of my training schedule, it has been tough for me to get involved as much as I would like. As I travel to different swim meets and events across the country I make sure to share Blue Planet Run’s message, especially by sharing my BPR trading cards with fans.  

Do you play any other water sports?

I don't play anything else competitively but I enjoy almost everything in the water.  Surfing, sailing, and kayaking are some of my favorite things to do besides swimming.

Anything else we should know?

Right now I live and train in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I got a degree in Biology from the University of Michigan. London is in my sights, but I’m very focused on U.S. National Championships, which are in Indianapolis from July 7 -11. If I qualify, I will be in Rome in late July. Both events are going to be nationally televised, so I hope all of my fans and supporters of Team Blue will get a chance to watch. I really look forward to spreading the importance of water sustainability on a national and international stage!

Peter is encouraging others to swim for clean water. Check out Peter's Team Blue page to see how you can get involved!

Here are some numbers:

• 1.1 billion people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, roughly one-sixth of the world's population.

• 2.2 million people in developing countries, most of them children, die every year from diseases associated with lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.

• Half of the world's hospital beds are filled with people suffering from water related illnesses.

• In the past 10 years, diarrhea has killed more children than all the people lost to armed conflict since World War II.

• An estimated 25% of people from cities in developing countries purchase their water from vendors at a significantly higher price than piped water. In some cases, at the cost of more than a quarter of their household incomes.

These figures were provided by Blue Planet Run, a foundation that works in collaboration with community and government groups to fund water projects around the world. Together, they are striving to provide safe drinking water to 200 million people by 2027.

Lots of regular folks are joining the movement for safe drinking water. Some people donate cash, others join the Facebook Group and spread the message, and still others tie up their sneakers and go for a run. Athletes around the world are running, swimming, climbing, hooping, tackling, skating, cycling, and sporting to raise money for clean drinking water access in the developing world. The YouthNoise DROP campaign and Play City are proud to be a part of this movement :)

Below: Athlete-activists run through China for water's sake.



And here's the best part: there are no limitations to running, walking, cycling, or otherwise athleticizing (yes, I just made up a word) for clean water. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, and anyone—even you—can set up a community sporting to benefit Blue Planet Run.

Click here for more info on marathons and Blue Planet Run events. Also be sure to visit the YouthNoise DROP campaign to learn about solutions to our global water crisis.

A large group of generous (and perhaps downright foolish) individuals gathered at North Avenue beach on this fine first day in March. Their purpose? To immerse their bodies in the icy waters of Lake Michigan while raising money for Special Olympics Chicago.

Crowds gathered bright and early at 9:30am for the 9th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge. Some wore costumes, others wore bathing suits, but all braved the cold blizzard-like conditions to sacrifice their personal comfort for the greater good.

The frigid morning swim is the largest annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Chicago—a program that offers training and competition services to intellectually disabled children and adults in 22 different sports.

Though I'm not sure what the count was this morning, last year's polar plunge brought 1,200 participants to the lake, each raising a minimum of $100 for the cause.

So start organizing your team for next year; ridiculous costumes are always appreciated. Or check out other ways to volunteer your time and contribute to Special Olympics Chicago.

* images from Chicago Polar Plunge