Visually Impaired women swims to raise money for cancer

The Steve Omi Memorial Swim was started in 1994 in honor of Steve Omi, an avid swimmer who died of cancer one month prior to his 37th birthday.

Participant Carol Nelson, of Hayden, who is visually impaired, said she relishes the opportunity to compete on a more even playing field. Swimming events provide that, she said.

"It's something that I can still do," she said.

She said her vision has been limited by Stargardt's macular degeneration.

"I have no excuses today," Nelson said.

Last year's event winner, Bryce Kananowicz, said he just likes to swim.

But "it's fun to meet people, too," he said. "And the money goes to a good cause."

As a 13-year-old last year, he swam the mile in 19 minutes, 42 seconds.

Kananowicz, of Liberty Lake, said he wanted to beat last year's time, and planned to go out hard and get away from the pack of swimmers.

"Anything under 19 minutes is good with me," he said.

He finished in 19:41 Sunday.