• SWAMpreview-cmsp-070925,ph1
    Competitors at the 2024 Paintball With a Mission event at OSG Paintball in Barnstead.
  • SWAMpreview-cmsp-070925,ph2
    Competitors at the 2024 Paintball With a Mission at OSG Paintball in Barnstead.
  • SWAMpreview-cmsp-070925,ph3
    At Newfound Lake in Bristol’s Wellington State Park, swimmers from across the state race to fundraise for veterans through SWAM.
  • SWAMpreview-cmsp-070925,ph4
    At Newfound Lake in Wellington State Park, Bristol, NH, swimmers from across the state race to fundraise for veterans through SWAM.

The not-for-profit Swim With a Mission will have its biggest fundraising weekend of the year with three events on Friday and Saturday to honor veterans and support different veteran services.

Swim With a Mission (SWAM) works closely with veteran service organizations to provide funding for programs and initiatives for them. SWAM focuses on mental health and reducing veteran suicid, and funds recreational retreats that get veterans together with other veterans. It also supports equine immersion programs, art therapy and mental health counseling, as well as many service and support dogs for veterans.

The first event is the seventh Paintball With a Mission with Navy SEALs at OSG Paintball in Barnstead. Running all day Friday, it will start with panel sessions by Navy SEALs teaching leadership, mental toughness and team building.

Each team will be led by a Navy SEAL, and the top two teams will receive awards. Registration is closed for this year’s event. Last year, the event raised over $1 million with 28 Navy SEALs leading 338 players divided into 26 teams.

On Saturday, SWAM will host the similarly named ninth edition of the Swim With a Mission open-water race in Newfound Lake at Wellington State Park.

The fundraiser is a sanctioned U.S. Masters Swimming event with 1K, 5K, 10K individual and 10K team relay races. More information on requirements and swimmer registration can be found on SWAM’s website.

In addition, volunteers are welcome to sign up and help out at the fundraiser. Attendees will have the chance to connect with Navy SEALs, help fundraise for the cause and enjoy a day on the lake watching races.

Later that day, SWAM will host a Navy SEAL Gold Star Family tribute dinner to honor New Hampshire’s three fallen Navy SEALs and their families at the Doubletree Hilton in Manchester.

The proceeds from paintball teams, swim registration and seats for the dinner will all go toward SWAM’s initiatives.

Alexander Rapp can be reached at arapp@cmonitor.com.