Cescon Family Part 4

Swimming runs deeper when it runs through family. In our next four stories, for four brothers who first carved their strokes into Ontario pools decades ago, the water has never let them go. What began as youthful ambition—early mornings, endless laps, and the pursuit of personal bests—has become a legacy that now stretches across generations.

Today, their families remain tied to the sport: children who dive into the same lanes, spouses who cheer from the stands, and siblings who still share the rhythm of the water. The brothers’ story is not just about competition, but about connection—how swimming became the thread that wove their lives together, and how it continues to shape the futures of those who follow.

Across Swim Ontario, their journey reminds us that every lane carries history, and every family carries the promise of tomorrow. Stroke for stroke, their legacy proves that swimming is stronger when it’s shared. If you have a family in your club that their swimming story is worth sharing please send to info@swimontario.com.

Helping people has, and continues to be, a big part of Paul Cescon's life.

At 40 years old, and the youngest of four brothers – the others are Jon (48), David (46) and Joe (43) – they all grew up with a fondness for swimming.

Initiation to the sport was slightly different for each of them. Paul claims his came in lessons – but well after he was tossed in the water, likely alongside the family dog, by one of his brothers during a regular cottage trip.

As for his perspective on life, and career, they both changed at the age of eight.

While in grade three, he had episodes of severe stomach pains and a general unwell feeling which led to extensive medical tests. He would be diagnosed with cancer. Surgery took place to remove a tumour followed by eight months of chemotherapy treatments.

“That experience was a defining moment in life for me,” he said. “As for my future plans, things pivoted for me to non-profit organizations and helping to raise money to benefit others, and in particular the Canadian Cancer Society to drive research into new treatment advances.”

Perseverance was primary with a determination and desire to bring about positive change following adversity.

Cescon is an information technology consultant and works for Salesforce. It’s described as a professional services software company that provides applications focused on areas such as sales, customer service, analytics, artificial intelligence, and quite a bit more. For him, his sector specialty is on nonprofit organizations

Among previous areas of making a huge impact, he was also a team leader in fundraising for Engineers Without Borders Canada. As a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, he raised half a million dollars before his high school graduation from Waterloo Collegiate.

Then, he shuffled off to earn an honours degree in International Development and Political Science at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

A question that pops up is - what does all of this have to do with swimming and families?

Never lacking, was his great energy, passion and love for swimming.

While following in the footsteps of his brothers was interrupted by his illness, Paul Cescon was what could be called a quasi-competitive swimmer with the Region of Waterloo Swim Club (ROW).

“(Swimming) was something I saw to be energizing, invigorating … my brothers were involved in the sport - and I liked that it was where you could strive both as an individual and as a member of a team,” said Cescon, who has launched an interest in officiating and is working on a Level 1 accreditation. “I was a swimmer, then moved to water polo during my undergrad, which kept me in the pool.”

These days, he swims occasionally – usually when he finds time while shuffling his eldest of two sons to practices with the Toronto Swim Club.

Both nine-year-old Liam and six-year-old Jacob have benefited greatly from early years of parents and tot swim lessons. The entire family continues to enjoy swimming together, and in the summer of 2025 set a goal to swim together 100 days. Mention aquatics, and it’s something that is all in the family.

Paul’s wife, Beth, was a competitive synchronized swimmer.

Count on Paul Cescon, whether it’s assisting others spending time in the water or raising funds for good causes. While swimming is an activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age, many believe it’s also a perfect way for families to unite and benefit with important life skills.

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.