Beginning in June, the Bellevue Boys and Girls Clubs will be part of the nationwide “im” program to promote swimming as an avenue to health and wellness. The program was founded in 2010 by The Michael Phelps Foundation and KidsHealth.org. and reached over 3,000 participants in 2011 at 16 clubs around the country.

“We are thrilled to be selected by the Michael Phelps Foundation for this opportunity,” said Kathy Haggart, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue. “This program will help keep our club members safe in and around the water plus provide them the opportunity to be fit and healthy while having fun at the same time.”

Phelps is a 16-time Olympic medalist and is best known for his record-setting swims in the Individual Medley, the inspiration for the name of the program.

He began the foundation with the $1 million bonus he received from sponsor Speedo after winning eight Gold Medals at the 2008 Bejing Games and provides assistance for program costs, staffing, supplies, equipment, pool access and more.

The programs will be offered in Bellevue through the Caravan and Voyager programs at the Ground Zero Teen Center, South Bellevue Community Center, Main Club and Teen Center of Excellence.

Registration is open now at www.bgcbellevue.org.