Marathon swimming legend is a champion for inclusivity.
Kingston resident and Canadian marathon swimming legend, Vicki Keith, is still doing marathon work, but now on dry ground helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity with her work at BGC Southeast (formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area).
She explains how she joined BGC as an inclusion advocate last year.
Keith was the first to swim across all five of the Great Lakes, as well as completing a double crossing of Lake Ontario. She was also the first to butterfly stroke across the English Channel.
But Keith says she can help BGC on land as well as water.
As an inclusion advocate for staff training, development and community outreach at BGC, Keith's focus is on expanding inclusion efforts, supporting members who feel marginalized, and making programs more accessible.
But no matter which sport or path a person might choose, Keith says it can be a start to better things.
BGC Southeast runs a wide variety of programs at multiple sites across the region. Their mission is to provide a safe supportive space where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.
Story by Brian Turner
