El-Amoudi Swim-a-Thon successful

September 11, 2012

Adam and Lauren El-Amoudi swim a lap during Saturday's swim-a-thon in memory of their sister Emily, who passed away in July at the age of 14 after a battle with leukemia. (Staff photo/Shawn Yorks)

A benefit took place for the family of Emily El-Amoudi on Saturday at the Texas County YMCA. It was organized by the YMCA Aquatics Coordinator and Emily’s swim coach, Erica Rixon. The benefit was a swim-athon that included swimming, donated food, donated auction items, Emily’s favorite Disney movies played on a big screen, and the fellowship of Emily’s friends and family.
“It went really well,” said Rixon.
Because of the Liberal air show and the Hooker car show, as well as cross country and volleyball in full swing, attendance was not as high as Rixon would have liked, but still says the event was a success.
They received right around $2,000 in donations, and they are still receiving some last minute donations in the following days.
“It was very relaxing for the family, I think,” said Rixon. “It was very peaceful to see all the kids come together for Emily.”
Rixon went on to express how pleased she was to see how hard all the kids worked for the event and pleased with the benefit as a whole.
She also expressed how amazed she was with Emily’s brother and sister, Adam and Lauren. They swam a lot throughout the day and worked hard in their sister’s honor. Rixon, who has been Adam’s coach as well for the past two years, was so proud of their efforts.
“They started it and finished it,” said Rixon. “I have never seen Adam swim so hard and so fast as he did for his sister on Saturday, so I was very proud of them.”
She could tell that they did it for their sister, even thought they weren’t in swimming shape.
For those who missed the opportunity to attend, but would still like to donate, donations are being accepted at the YMCA or donations can be taken directly to the Emily El-Amoudi Medical Fund at the Bank of the Panhandle.