On May 31, kids aged 6- to 18-years-old will swim, bike and run in a race to benefit the NC Children’s Hospital. This is the third annual youth triathlon put on by the Swim for Smiles foundation, which Gary Kayye helped start after his daughter spent morethan two months in the hospital at age four.

Kayye said he recognizes the need to keep the separate children’s hospital well-financed.

His daughter, who at one point during her sickness was told she may never walk again, is now 13 years old and a competitive year-round swimmer. Swim for Smiles was started in 2005 when Kayye wanted to create a charity event to inspire young swimmers to use their talent to help others.

The foundation began as a dual swim meet between two swim teams from Durham and Chapel Hill. The foundation now puts on several swimming-related events to benefit the NC Children’s Hospital. The foundation’s board consists of the head UNC swimming and diving coach, several parents, and three middle school or high school kids.

Triathlons are the fastest growing sport worldwide.

There are two options for the race, the long course and the short course. Both will be held at the Chapel Hill County Club. Last year the race brought in $31,000, with 480 kids participating. One hundred kids already have signed up for the race. This year registration will be cut off at about 450 kids.


For more information, visit www.swimforsmiles.org.  Kayye said kids shouldn’t be intimidated by the race’s length. Participants have all levels of experience and kids can even walk the swim portion because the water is shallow. Parents can come watch and help their kids or volunteer during the event.