Swimming for a First:
The Backwards Boston Light Fundraiser
On July 20, 2026, local swim instructor and endurance athlete Adina O’Neill is attempting to make history. She will be the first person to tackle the Boston Light Swim, the oldest marathon swim in the U.S., entirely on her back. To make this "epic backstroke attempt" even more fitting, she is reversing the traditional route, swimming 8 miles from South Boston out to the Boston Lighthouse.
The Mission: Turning Laps into Lessons
Adina believes that the water is a place of magic and healing, but for many, it remains out of reach. As an instructor at the Stoughton YMCA, she sees firsthand the courage it takes for adults to face their fears, from a 70-year-old learning to float to a mother finally joining her children in the water on vacation.
Your Impact: We believe everyone deserves to find their "magic" in the water. All funds raised through this solo swim will go directly toward scholarships for adult learn-to-swim participants who cannot afford private lessons.
Strengthening Communities.
Building Connections.
That’s Y.
OLD COLONY YMCA
