The Rogue Rapids Swim Team, a fresh addition to Southern Oregon's athletic scene, is gaining recognition within the Medford community and on a broader scale. Founded early last year, this nonprofit competitive squad has quickly reached stages that extend from regional competitions to the national limelight, providing young swimmers with a new platform for sport and growth.
Lauren Naversen Geraghty, MD, vice president and co-founder of the Rogue Rapids, played a role in establishing the team in conjunction with the construction of the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex (Rogue X). With swimming options scarce in the region, the creation of the Rogue Rapids has filled a void, offering youths a place to hone their abilities while emphasizing fun and camaraderie. To bolster local youth programs, the Medford City Council directed part of their marijuana tax revenues, $570,000 in total, to various organizations in September last year, with the Rogue Rapids receiving a $10,000 scholarship fund boost from this pool.
This particular slice of funding, originating from local and state sources, feeds into the Sofia Marks Scholarship Fund. The fund honors a North Medford High School student and swimmer who lost her life to a rare bone cancer in 2023. The scholarship's purpose is precisely what the Rogue Rapids team stands for: breaking down barriers to ensure that finances don't hold back any child interested in taking the plunge into competitive swimming.
According to the City of Medford's official news release, as of this month, approximately 11% of the team has benefited from the scholarship, with a dozen swimmers receiving financial assistance. Geraghty expressed her gratitude at a recent City Council meeting, acknowledging the difference these funds have made. "We want to thank you very much for your support," she told the Council, "The $10,000 contributed has helped us make a difference in all these kids’ lives, and we appreciate you."
