It’s been a long-standing attitude for Tara Kirk Sell to give back to the community that had supported her swimming career.
The time to do that came today when the Bremerton Schools Foundation accepted her $25,000 endowment for the Bremerton Olympian Endowment — specifically dedicated to funding elementary school swim programs in the Bremerton School District.
“We’re very thrilled,” said Mark Hughes, board member of the BSF on Friday.
Kirk Sell hopes the endowment will motivate other athletes to reach for their goals — including Olympic dreams — as well as keep children safe by learning how to swim and by keeping children active and healthy.
Kirk Sell, who now lives in Baltimore with her husband, Greg, said she was glad to have the funds available to give back to her hometown — and maybe inspire another Olympian or two.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to give back to my community,” she said. “Bremerton has been so supportive.”
Kirk Sell was a member of the 2004 U.S. swim team, along with younger sister, Dana. Kirk Sell won a silver medal as part of the 400 medley relay.
A more detailed story on the endowment is upcoming early next week.

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