ALONG THE CHICAGO RIVERWALK (WBBM Newsradio) -- Just two years after city leaders rejected a request for a fundraising swim in the Chicago River, organizers say it's coming back in September.
Mayor Brandon Johnson told a frigid but festive group gathered along the Riverwalk across from the Westin Hotel Thursday morning that what started as an ALS fundraising drive will make a splash that will ripple across the city.
"This moment symbolizes the incredible progress that Chicago has made in restoring the health of the Chicago River," the mayor said. "Just a generation ago, this type of event was unimaginable."
Seven-hundred and fifty people are expected to take part in the swim set for Sunday, September 20th, which will be the centerpiece of a week-long partnership with the Chicago Park District aimed at teaching kids to swim across the city.
Founder Doug McConnell has spearheaded this event as a fundraising tribute to his father, who died of complications from ALS, and his sister, who lives with the disease as well.
"We wanted to turn that grief into action," McConnell said, noting the Riverwalk makes the perfect venue to watch the event: "It is as though the city built this stadium for us."
Chicago Park District superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa says a $250,000 donation from organizers and partners will help expand learn-to-swim programs at parks citywide.
"This donation will allow us to expand those life-saving lessons in areas that need them the most," Ramirez-Rosa said.
Registration for the swim is set to open at the end of the month.