My friend Treasure Neal has an adorable, little sister named Lia Neal who will be participating in the London 2012 Olympics this Saturday! She is 17 years old and hails from Ft. Greene. “As the youngest child and daughter of an African American Father and Chinese American Mother, Lia will be representing the United States as a true example of the American Dream come true”! Damn, at 13 the New York Times was writing about her! Then again at 17…wow!
Twelve Bar Co. has created some rad t-shirts that read “Swim Brooklyn” in her honor as the high school teen readies for the competition.
Hip Hop Wired wrote:
“The company partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation for the products, which feature a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge.
All proceeds from the sale of the items, which can be purchased here, will go directory to the foundation. Established in 2004, the organization’s mission is to “strengthen the sport by saving lives and building champions,” by providing learn-to-swim skills, and offering financial support to members of the U.S. National Team.
Neal landed a spot on the swim team in late June, after finishing fourth in the 100-meter freestyle finals, making her only the second Black female to do so.”
Here are some facts:
-Each day, 10 people drown in the United States
-70% of African Americans, 60% of Latino Children and 40% of Caucasian Children have low or no swimming ability
-Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%
Man. I can’t swim and those statistics are scary. I will definitely be learning to do that this Summer…it will be next on my list to learn how to drive. Anyways, tune in on Saturday to watch Lia represent the U.S.!
July 31, 2012
She did it. Bronze medal!!