( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Celebrating Aquatic Pioneers and Promoting Water Safety during Celebration Bowl Weekend
Diversity in Aquatics (DIA) is making waves with the exciting announcement of its 2nd Annual HBCU Celebration Swim Meet and Water Safety Festival. A dynamic event set to unfold during the Celebration Bowl weekend on December 15 and 16. Taking place at Morehouse College Archer Hall Recreation Center in Atlanta, GA, this celebration showcases the historical significance of aquatic pioneers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
As the official outreach partner of the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, DIA is spotlighting the rich legacy of aquatic pioneers from HBCUs. Howard University, a participant in the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, holds the distinction of being the sole HBCU with an NCAA Division I Swim and Dive Program. This emphasizing the transformation and challenges within the aquatic landscape. Notably, in the 1980s, there were approximately 20 HBCUs with college-level swim and dive programs.
Dr. Miriam Lynch, Executive Director of DIA, expressed excitement about the event. “As part of Cricket Celebration Bowl Band and Football events, we are showcasing the rich legacy of aquatic pioneers from HBCUs like Atlanta’s own Andrew and Dr. Walter Young while enriching the narrative and inspiring the next generation of aquatic champions from our community.”
The celebration is made even more remarkable with the support of esteemed sponsors, including Speedo, a global leader in swimwear, the American Red Cross, US Masters, and Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with the highly anticipated film, ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom.’
The festivities commence on Thursday, December 14th, featuring 2x Olympians Maritza McClendon and Cullen Jones, along with World Cup Champion Sabir Muhammed and CNN’s Stephanie Elam. This group of Water Safety Champions will visit David T Howard and King Middle Schools, concluding at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA. At each location, the champions will impart crucial knowledge about water safety, delve into the HBCU Aquatic Legacy, and highlight the exciting opportunities that unfold from learning how to swim. The Andrew and Walter Young YMCA will also host a special viewing of the Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom film trailer.
The Water Safety Day program on Friday, December 15, from 4:00-7:30 p.m., will feature engaging in and out-of-water activities for swimmers of all levels, including a Developmental Swim Meet for new and experienced youth swimmers. Emmy Award Winner Cathleen Dean’s “Wade In the Water,” sponsored by Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, will be screened, vividly capturing the 1960s Civil Rights protests that eradicated segregation from the state’s beaches and swimming pools.
Aligned thematically with ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom,’ both storylines resonate with a powerful message of creating inclusive spaces for all, weaving together history, legacy, and the importance of water safety. Dive into this enriching celebration, bridging the past and present, and creating a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.
On Saturday, December 16, from 7:00 am to 10:30 am, dive into the HBCU Celebration Swim Meet, celebrating and uniting current HBCU students, alumni, and supporters. This meet marks a historic collaboration, bringing together HBCU swimmers together. Special Aquaman giveaways will be provided by Warner Bros Pictures. Link to Register – https://bit.ly/CelebrateHBCU
All events throughout the weekend are open to students, alums, and the broader community, presenting an opportunity to make a lasting impact, bridge the gap in aquatic representation, and inspire a new generation of water enthusiasts and safety.
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