The Afterschool Alliance (www.afterschoolnow.org), supported by the Ad Council and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, are running a public service ad campaign that appears to ridicule Masters swimmers. According to Alliance’s website, “These PSAs use humor to communicate the importance of taking action to support afterschool programs. The campaign includes TV and radio spots, newspaper ads, billboards, web banners and more.”
One print ad has a facial portrait of a smiling, senior gentleman in a pool, obviously a happy swimmer, with swimming goggles on. Superimposed over the portrait are the following words: “There’s nothing more REFRESHING than neglecting our nation’s YOUTH.” At the bottom, the ad continues to say: “When I don’t support afterschool programs, I feel so relaxed and carefree. It’s like I’m doing nothing at all! Unless you call depriving 15 million kids something…”
You can download a copy of the ad from the following website:
www.afterschoolnow.org/print_ads.cfm
Parents
Former Member
I checked out the ad. It is very ignorant, offensive and misguided. Masters swimmers or even adult lap swimmers are incredible role models for youth. Young people are impressed by swimmers' dedication, efforts, and achievements, and consider making exercise part of a life-long lifestyle for themselves. And sports activities is a good common topic for adults and kids to get excited about. The whole ad doesn't make sense. It's strange to even suggest adults like ignoring positive programs for kids. Not a good way to get anyone on board. And the ad council is paying for this? Weird.
I checked out the ad. It is very ignorant, offensive and misguided. Masters swimmers or even adult lap swimmers are incredible role models for youth. Young people are impressed by swimmers' dedication, efforts, and achievements, and consider making exercise part of a life-long lifestyle for themselves. And sports activities is a good common topic for adults and kids to get excited about. The whole ad doesn't make sense. It's strange to even suggest adults like ignoring positive programs for kids. Not a good way to get anyone on board. And the ad council is paying for this? Weird.
