体坛英语新闻：Michael Phelps partners with Visa to help introduce NYC kids to swimming

NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Michael Phelps, a 14-time Olympic gold medalist, teamed with Visa Inc., a Worldwide Olympic Partner, on Thursday to present a Play Every Day jump-start grant to the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) of Greater New York.

    The funds will help the YMCA expand participation in its 2nd Grade Swim program, purchase new swimming equipment, and also support aquatic facility expansions in Brooklyn and Queens.

Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps helps a girl as she swims at the YMCA of Greater New York in New York Aug. 28, 2008.

The announcement is a continuation of Visa and its family of Olympic athletes ongoing commitment to the Partnership for Play Every Day, an effort to raise national awareness and support for increasing and improving the spaces where America's youth can play.

    "For America's kids, the time to play and swim is today," said Phelps. "We need everyone's help in providing all kids with safe and well-equipped spaces where they can exercise, have fun and maybe even begin to pursue their own Olympic dreams."

    The Partnership for Play Every Day brings together organizations including noNPRofits, businesses and government agencies to ensure that all children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps teaches swimming exercise techniques with children at the YMCA of Greater New York in New York Aug. 28, 2008

U.S. federal funding for local parks, playgrounds, trails and open spaces has reportedly decreased in recent years, and one of the partnership's objectives is to increase the number of settings where kids can engage in physical activity.

    "We are delighted that Visa, Michael Phelps, and the YMCA understand the importance of teaching children how to swim and to have a respect for water at an early age," said Dennis M. Walcott, Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development.

    In a voluntary and collaborative initiative of uNPRecedented scope, the National Recreation and Park Association, the YMCA of the United States, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education are working together as conveners of The Partnership for Play Every Day to increase the spaces and quality of play for U.S. children and youth.