Olympian Michael Phelps makes Dream Come True for Local swimmer

Dreams Come True, the First Coast’s locally-based dream granting organization, welcomed home 16-year-old Jacksonville resident, Rian Covington. Rian was returning from a surprise meet and greet in Phoenix, Arizona with competitive swimmer and Olympian, Michael Phelps.
 Joining the nonprofit were The Players Championship Team, who sponsored Rian’s dream following a $60,000 gift to Dreams Come True in June. The donation was earmarked to fulfill the dreams of 12 Northeast Florida children over the next year, with Rian being the first dream recipient. Additionally, coaches and members of Rian’s swim teams welcomed him home inside the airports Aikens Executive Conference Room.

Rian was an up-and-coming swimmer on the Bolles and Atlantic Coast High School swim teams before being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma on December 24, 2018. At the time of his diagnosis, Rian was preparing to train for the Junior National in California and had to put his plans on hold. Rian’s dream was to meet Michael Phelps and “learn butterfly techniques from the man who swims it the best.”

Celebrating 35 years, Dreams Come True was founded with the vision of granting dreams for every First Coast child battling a life-threatening illness, while also bringing them hope and joy throughout their medical journey. For additional information about Dreams Come True visit www.dreamscometrue.org.  Shown are parents James and Raelyn Covington, Jayla Covington, dreamer Rian Covington with Michael and Nicole Michele Phelps.

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