Shark attack survivor turned Paralympian inspires swimming safety at Stewie the Duck Swim School
The nonprofit, founded by Stew and Kim Leonard after the tragic drowning of their 21-month-old son, Stewie, aimed to educate and inspire through this year's gathering.
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The Stewie the Duck Swim School in Norwalk hosted its annual swim safety event this weekend, with a profound message of resilience and community support.
The nonprofit, founded by Stew and Kim Leonard after the tragic drowning of their 21-month-old son, Stewie, aimed to educate and inspire through this year's gathering.
A highlight of the event was the appearance of Ali Truwit, a shark attack survivor who lost her leg but went on to achieve great success as a two-time silver medalist and American record-holder at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
"To begin my first foundation with a program right here in my own community, which has been a community that has been here for me and my family in unimaginable ways every step of my healing journey," Truwit expressed, underscoring the significance of giving back to the place that supported her recovery.
Ali's Foundation donation will provide 500 free swimming lessons at Stewie the Duck Swim School, ensuring that more children can learn this vital skill, potentially saving lives in the process.
Stew Leonard Jr., owner of Stew Leonard's, commented on the event's broader impact, "To see parents trying to summarize that message to their children so it's not just about coming and jumping in the water and learning how to swim, because a lot of the parents are explaining to their children how what they're doing is helping others. So it's sort of a nice life lesson a little bit in there, too."
