The special event has been met with open arms by local swimmers and fans of the sport alike.
The meet, which is being held in memory of former Dobson Dolphins swimmer Chortney Wilmoth, will take place at the Dobson Dolphins Swim Team Pool, located on Gillespie Street in Dobson. Wilmoth died in an automobile accident in 2006.
Chris Stanley, the executive director of the Dobson pool and the Dolphins coach, said that response to Saturday's upcoming event has been tremendous.
"It is going very well," Stanley said. "We expect about 100 swimmers, some of them in the 19 and above age group too."
She said all ages are welcome to participate in the event, but there is one age group that will likely be most prevalent.
"We have a few swimmers in each age group, but I think the overwhelming number of swimmers will be in the 15 to 18 age group, specifically," she said.
One of the purposes of the event is to promote awareness of seatbelt safety, according to Stanley.
"Everyone has been very positive about this event," she said. "We are trying to raise awareness of seatbelt safety. We're going to also have the North Carolina Eye Bank on hand."
Eye Bank is an organ donor organization in North Carolina. Stanley said Wilmoth was an organ donor.
Stanley said local businesses have been supportive of the event as well.
"Restaurants in the area have been real good at responding, giving donations either monetary or in the form of styrofoam plates to serve on," she said. "There has just been an overwhelming response for it. Surry County EMS will also be there."
Saturday's event is open to all ages, with warm-ups starting at 7 a.m. and the meet starting at 8 a.m. An afternoon session will also be held, with warm-ups at 1 p.m. and the meet starting at 2 p.m.
The Dolphins' pool is a six-lane, 25-yard outdoor pool featuring backstroke flags and non-turbulent lane dividers. It also has 18-inch starting blocks with five feet of depth at the start.
Medals will be awarded for first through third place in individual events, with ribbons up to sixth place. Relay ribbons will be awarded for first through sixth place.
Admissions for all spectators over 12 years old is $2, and the concessions will be Port-A-Pit BBQ Chicken Plates. The plates, which will include chicken, baked beans, slaw, a roll and a dessert, are $7 each.
In addition to being a member of the Dobson Dolphins' swim team since the age of four, Wilmoth, who attended Surry Central High School and swam for the Golden Eagles, frequently attended the Dolphins' pool during the summer months and also participated in tennis, softball and cheerleading.
Stanley is hopeful that more individuals will call later this week and come out to the memorial event on Saturday.
"I hope we have a lot of people come out and see the sport (swimming)," she said. "This event will give people awareness of teenage driving. We hope it turns out well, and we'll try to do our very best to see that it does. We hope to do it again next year."
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