The family of a boy who recently drowned in Navajo Lake is launching a nonprofit that will fund swim lessons for underprivileged children.

Cristian Korte’s family will be holding the first fundraiser for their new nonprofit – The Cristian Korte Memorial Swim Fund – on Saturday. Cristian had drowned Aug. 16, the day after his sixth birthday.

“It was such a tragic loss for our family; we had to turn around and make a positive out of it,” Shelly Korte, his grandmother said.

The family decided to hold a disc golf event in Cristian’s memory because he was the youngest member of the Professional Disc Golf Association, and it was something he loved to do.

Donations will pay for swim lessons for children at the Durango and Ignacio recreation centers. The family hopes to reach as many kids in the county as possible, including those with physical disabilities, because they believe swimming is a life skill that kids need to be safe.

“Ultimately, something tragic could happen, and that’s what we’re looking to avoid,” said Katie Korte, Cristian’s mom.

They are hoping to build a nonprofit that will be long standing and hold a large event every year on Cristian’s birthday, she said.

“I’m not letting the memory of my little buddy go away,” Shelly Korte said.

Those who donate $20 to play at the disc golf event Saturday will receive T-shirts, a bandana and three discs, including one decorated with one of Cristian’s drawings.

The event will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Colorado Timberline Academy. To register for the event, call Erika at 759-8443. The public also can sign up the day of the event.

mshinn@durangoherald.com