Featured Article
Austin Whitney Raises Awareness for Accessibility in the Music Industry
Swim With Mike Scholarship Alumni Austin Whitney (UC Berkeley JD '16) is the founder and Board President of Accessible Festivals and the President of Ten Fifty Entertainment where he works to ensure ADA compliance at some of the nation's largest festivals and events. A native of Orange County, Austin was paralyzed from the waist down following a car accident after his high school graduation. Austin was instrumental in organizing the first Swim With Mike satellite event at Cal in partnership with the water polo team. Austin's work with Accessible Festivals has been featured in nationwide publications including Forbes, Billboard, and MusicWeek. Recently, Accessible Festivals launched the Dan Grover Memorial Ticket Grant program to provide free access tickets to recreational experiences for physically challenged music fans. Austin found music when he was recovering from his accident, and is hoping to share his experience with others who are seeking positive outlets for healing through the healing power of music.
Ian Malesiewski - No Sad Stories
As a 16-year-old and ascending in the sports of wrestling and football, Ian Malesiewski broke his neck while wrestling at the United States World Team Trials. He went on to complete his junior and senior years in high school in one year, graduate at the top of his class at the University of Miami as a neuroscience major, and was accepted to Harvard Law School. Watch the video "No Sad Stories - Ian Malesiewski."
Mike Nyeholt Hero of the Game
Swim with Mike Co-Founder and namesake receives the Hero of the Game Award at the USC-Wisconsin game on September 28, 2024, before a cheering crowd of 74,118.
Alum and Board Member Natalie Buchoz
Swim with Mike alum and board member Natalie Buchoz - "When you know this world is a temporary assignment, you will find beauty in the darkest moments and can go into them knowing the light will always lead you through." Watch her Instagram reel "Reborn"
