'Save the Wave' project will yield returns for years

While those of us past our peak athletic years find plenty to be inspired by in the exploits of athletes in the Beijing Olympics, those images can make a real difference for talented youngsters on the way up.

Who knows? Perhaps the next Michael Phelps will someday shed his water wings because of swimming lessons right here in McCook.

Congratulations to the YMCA staff and members, and especially the entire community, for stepping forward to make sure the talented athletes and ordinary people among us have a chance to reach our full potential if a swimming pool is what it takes.

Drive chairman Jeff Shaddock announced Friday that the "Save the Wave" project had reached its goal of $400,000 in pledges for the pool renovation project. A story about the announcement is included in today's edition.

A top flight facility like McCook's YMCA is rare in a community the size of ours, but one aspect of the pool project adds to its unique standing.

When completed, the pool will be the first commercial-size pool in the state to be sanitized with a chlorination process that is new to Nebraska and is easier on swimmers and the pool itself.

You can read more of the details in today's story.

It's just another example of the communities generous spirit and so many people's willingness to pitch in sacrificially when they see a worthwhile effort.

Their investment will pay off in better health for adults who will use the pool today and better lives for youngsters coming up.