ETNA – The 2009 Rachel Hanna Swim Olympics will be held on Saturday, July 11 at the Scott Valley Community Pool in Etna, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

All ages are welcome for this free swim day, which includes games, prizes and special awards. There will be events for everyone, including a “Giant Splash” contest. The Fort Jones 4-H will be doing a BBQ lunch.

Last year, Sherri Hanna told Siskiyou Youth how the Rachel Hanna Olympics came to be.

“The year that Rachel (the daughter of Sherri and Greg Hanna) passed away, our good friends Sheryl Towne, Dana Bradford, and Kerry Towne decided to have the event. Sheryl was managing the pool at the time and the pool staff organized it all–decided on the games, decorated, got ribbons and awards, etc. We just showed up. It was wonderful”

Sherri said the idea behind the event is for families to spend the day together and just have fun, laugh, and play.

 “It all revolves around ‘perspective.’ Families are so busy these days that time with the kids just relaxing seems like a lost art. Parents need to appreciate time and family more,” said Sherri. “Just spend time with your kids! Such a simple thing!”

Registration starts at 11:00 am. For more information, call 467-5232 or 467-5468.