Brendan wants you on his team

IRVINE, Calif. - USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of competitive swimming, announced the launch of its first annual "We Want You on Our Team" campaign.

The educational initiative, which runs throughout August and September, is a multi-faceted promotion to encourage youth participation on swim teams and raise awareness of the social and health benefits of swim team membership.

By partnering with Olympic swimmers Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker, Brendan Hansen, Amanda Beard, Aaron Peirsol and Lenny Krayzelburg, the campaign will use in-school promotions, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), a unique web site, a Teen Choice Awards contest, and local club events across the country to bolster swim team membership among youths ages six to 16.

"Swimming is a team sport and a fun way for kids and teens to stay healthy while making lifelong friends," said Rod Davis, chief marketing officer for USA Swimming. "USA Swimming's 'We Want You on Our Team' campaign will educate and motivate youths to become active and join a swim team, ultimately helping grow the sport of swimming at a grassroots level."

And just to keep everyone updated on the t-shirt contest - we now have 10 excellent submissions and it's going to be tough to choose a single favorite. Those of you who want a chance to participate still have until Midnight tomorrow (that's Central time y'all) to submit something. I'll get all the submissions up and start a poll on Friday. I can't wait to see what everyone chooses!

Just a reminder of what's on the line...