--- title: Michael Phelps Teaches Ravens to Swim | 8th Hashtag Sports Awards description: Global awards recognizing excellence in fan engagement and celebrating creativity across sports marketing, media & entertainment image: https://www.hashtagsports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets-AF-2025/ApOkkzkb-jpC4ejDoHQ-file.jpg --- Michael Phelps Teaches Ravens to Swim | 8th Hashtag Sports Awards [The 8th Annual Awards](https://www.hashtagsports.com/awards/shortlist-2026?hsLang=en) # Michael Phelps Teaches Ravens to Swim [Baltimore Ravens](https://www.baltimoreravens.com) ![Image](https://www.hashtagsports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets-AF-2025/ApOkkzkb-jpC4ejDoHQ-file.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=ApOkkzkb-jpC4ejDoHQ-file.jpg) Share [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hashtagsports.com%2Fawards%2Fshortlist-2026%2Fmichael-phelps-teaches-ravens-to-swim) [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hashtagsports.com%2Fawards%2Fshortlist-2026%2Fmichael-phelps-teaches-ravens-to-swim&text=Michael+Phelps+Teaches+Ravens+to+Swim+%7C+8th+Hashtag+Sports+Awards) [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hashtagsports.com%2Fawards%2Fshortlist-2026%2Fmichael-phelps-teaches-ravens-to-swim) ABOUT THIS ENTRY When the Ravens installed their brand new recovery pool, Ravens players discovered some of their teammates were afraid to use the new pool because they didn’t know how to swim. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey invited Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps to come teach his teammates & local children how to swim. How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"? This initiative was covered by the “Today Show” and garnered over 21 million views on social media channels. This work was not only great content, but achieved actionable change within the Baltimore Ravens organization, the Baltimore community, and a national audience. Objective Show the students in our community that professional athletes can conquer their fears of the water alongside them and promote pool safety. Strategy & Execution Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, alongside teammates Kyle Hamilton, Ronnie Stanley and Charlie Kolar, posted on social media, inviting Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps to come teach their teammates how to swim. We enlisted Phelps, a Baltimore native, life-long Ravens fan, and the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, to teach our players how to swim. He is passionate about water safety and a huge Ravens fan, so he was the perfect fit to champion the cause.  The Ravens organization turned it into an opportunity to give back to the Baltimore community, inviting local students to learn alongside the professional athletes. Additionally, the Ravens organization donated 100 thousand dollars to the Michael Phelps Foundation for water safety. Ravens players now feel confident to use the water recovery systems at the Ravens facility.  ** Nominations ** - Most Creative Partnership with an Athlete or Influencer **Organizations** - Baltimore Ravens **Links** - [  Website ](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/) **Featured** - Michael Phelps - Ray Lewis - Marlon Humphrey - Ronnie Stanley - Kyle Hamilton - Charlie Kolar **Credits** **[ Sashi Brown](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashi-brown/) ** President Baltimore Ravens **[ Lisa Dixon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dixon-0359363/) ** Sr. Director of Special Events/Special Assistant to the Owner Baltimore Ravens **[ Eddie Coughlan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiecoughlan/) ** Sr. Director of Production & Documentary Baltimore Ravens **[ Megan McLaughlin](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/coaches-roster/megan-mclaughlin) ** Sr. Director of Football Information Baltimore Ravens **[ Chad Steele](https://www.linkedin.com/in/steelechad/) ** Sr. Vice President of Communications Baltimore Ravens **[ JT Santos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-santos-861256156/) ** Cinematographer Baltimore Ravens **[ Phil Cunningham](https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-cunningham-b5821252/) ** Sr. Director of Video Content & Post-Production Baltimore Ravens **[ Nick Modisett](https://www.hashtagsports.com/awards/shortlist-2026/baltimoreravens.com?hsLang=en) ** Sr. Manager of Production & Documentary Baltimore Ravens **[ Jack Dana](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-dana-092445a4/) ** Sr. Manager, Production & Media Assets Baltimore Ravens **[ Cassie Cherigo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-calvert-social/) ** Social Media Manager Baltimore Ravens **[ Heather Darney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-darney-5b189a2b/) ** Vice President of Community Relations/Executive Director, Ravens Foundation Baltimore Ravens **[ Adrian Dixon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-dixon-pt-dpt-atc-scs-cscs-77332a48/) ** Head Certified Athletic Trainer Baltimore Ravens **[ Simon Gelan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-gelan/) ** Sr. Vice President of Operations Baltimore Ravens **[ Michelle Andres](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresmichelle/) ** Sr. Vice President of Ravens Media Baltimore Ravens **[ Ryan Mink](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mink-a54aa667/) ** Editorial Director Baltimore Ravens #### INSPIRED TO ENTER WORK? 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