Swim Across America Fairfield County Launches T-Shirt Design Contest for 20th Anniversary

Swim Across America – Fairfield County has announced a t-shirt design contest for middle and high school students to commemorate the organization’s 20th anniversary of fundraising for cancer research.

The Make Waves T-Shirt Design Contest invites Fairfield County students to create artwork that will be featured on the back of commemorative t-shirts worn by swimmers, volunteers, and supporters throughout the 2026 season, according to contest organizers.

“This is our 20th year making waves to fight cancer,” said Nancy Carr, event director for Swim Across America – Fairfield County. “For this milestone year, we wanted to do something special to really commemorate the swim. Our participants love our t-shirts and wear them for years, so we thought what better way than to have a really cool and impactful shirt created by those in our community.”

The annual swim event will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 96 Cummings Point Road in Stamford, according to organizers. The event typically attracts hundreds of swimmers, volunteers, boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and spectators.

Contest submissions will be accepted through March 15, 2026, with a panel of judges selecting the final design and second and third place winners, according to the announcement. The winning design will be printed on 2026 shirts, which will help raise funds at Swim Across America Fairfield County events from May through November.

The commemorative t-shirts will also be donated to pediatric cancer patients at Yale Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering, accompanied by visits from DASH the Dolphin, Swim Across America’s mascot, according to organizers.

This year’s Swim Across America – Fairfield County event has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $1 million for cancer research, with proceeds supporting the Stamford-based Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), according to the organization. Notably, 100% of funds donated to ACGT go directly to support cancer gene cell and gene therapy research and clinical trials, according to organizers.

Since its first Fairfield County swim in 2007, Swim Across America – Fairfield County has donated more than $6 million to ACGT, according to the organization.

The grand prize winner will receive a $250 gift card, a Swim Across America merchandise bundle, gift cards to local restaurants, and the opportunity to ride in the Old Greenwich Memorial Day parade vehicle, according to contest rules. The winning student will also receive recognition across the organization’s press, website, and social media platforms and will be spotlighted at the June 20, 2026 open water swim event.

Second and third place winners will receive gift cards to local restaurants and promotional recognition, according to organizers.

Contest guidelines require designs to fit on 8½” x 11” paper and must be original work created by the student, with AI-generated designs prohibited, according to submission rules. Designs must reference the 20th anniversary and include the swim date of June 20, 2026.

Students may incorporate phrases like “Make Waves to Fight Cancer” and can use “Swim Across America” and “Swim Across America – Fairfield County” in their designs, but cannot use the official Swim Across America logo, which will appear on the front of the t-shirt, according to design guidelines.

Carr noted that the event attracts participants of all ages, but emphasized the significant participation from area teenagers. “The event attracts a lot of swimmers and volunteers of all ages, but an especially large contingent are area teens,” Carr said. “This is a fun, new way for them to get involved and build excitement about this year’s swim.”

Students can submit their original drawings, paintings, collages, or photographs through an online form at swimacrossamerica.org/tshirt. Complete contest rules and submission details are available at www.swimacrossamerica.org.