Shark Attack Survivor and Paralympic Hero Ali Truwit to Join Stew Leonard Jr. to Save Connecticut Children’s Lives
In an extraordinary collaboration, Ali Truwit, a Paralympic Silver Medalist and shark attack survivor, will partner with Stew Leonard Jr., co-founder of Stewie the Duck Swim School, to announce an inspiring initiative to save children’s lives in Connecticut. Together, they will provide 500 life-saving swim lessons to children, helping prevent drowning and promoting water safety across the state.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., Stewie the Duck Swim School in Norwalk, CT, will host a heartening event. Truwit, a Darien native whose courageous journey to Paralympic success following her shark attack has captivated many, will speak on her experience and teach life-saving swimming techniques. Ali’s Stronger Than You Think Foundation will donate $5,000 to provide free or low-cost lessons for children, especially in underserved communities, ensuring more kids have the opportunity to develop crucial swimming skills.
For Stew and Kim Leonard, founders of Stewie the Duck Swim School, the event is deeply personal. In 1989, the Leonard family suffered an unimaginable tragedy when their 21-month-old son, Stewie, drowned in a backyard pool. In his memory, the couple established the nonprofit swim school, committed to preventing future drownings through education and water safety.
By providing critical swimming lessons to those who may not otherwise have access, this event aims to reduce the risk of drowning while fostering confidence and safety in the water. Truwit and the Leonard family’s combined efforts will impact countless lives, offering a chance to honor their shared commitment to preventing water-related tragedies and ensuring that children, no matter their background, can stay safe in and around water.