Sandy Olander who has been with the program for two years, works with Andrew Bugg from Crownhill Elementary. - Photo by Sean Janssen
Photo by Sean Janssen
Sandy Olander who has been with the program for two years, works with Andrew Bugg from Crownhill Elementary.

Kitsap YMCA earns national award


July 4, 2008 · Updated 11:46 AM 

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Volunteers at Kitsap Family YMCA are making a splash at the national level with a learn-to-swim program for disabled children.

The Selective Swim program has received a national achievement award and a $4,500 grant from Raytheon Company.

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) honored the Bremerton location with its “Best Use of Volunteers” award for the program. The program provides free swimming instruction to handicapped children living in the Bremerton School District. Selective Swim is buoyed by the contribution of 37 volunteers who donate time to the weekly program.

Lifeguard Chriss Kuykendall coordinates the classes, which are held at the Glenn Jarstad Aquatic Center on Magnuson Way. Kuykendall said the program has a long history, now in its 45th year. She has been organizing Selective Swim for four years.

Kuykendall said she has a core group of 20 active volunteers, calling on the rest of the group to fill in as needed.

She said being involved with the instructional activity is gratifying. “Some of these kids, it’s the only mobility they get. It’s rewarding to

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