USA Swimming and Indy Parks and Recreation to Host Inaugural National Parks and Recreation Championship, presented by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
INDIANAPOLIS – USA Swimming, the national governing body of the sport of swimming in the United States and Indy Parks and Recreation have teamed up to host a four-day swim meet June 12-15 at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis. The National Parks and Recreation Championship presented by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is the first-ever USA Swimming sanctioned national competition for parks and community swim clubs across the United States.
Swimmers aged 11 and older from Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, the District of Columbia, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and more are already confirmed to compete in the event, which will take place just before the much-anticipated 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, presented by Lilly at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Not only does this extend the excitement surrounding the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, it provides the opportunity for talented young swimmers to experience swimming in an Olympic-sized pool for potentially the first time,” said Joel Shinofield, Managing Director of Sport Development for USA Swimming. “Our goal is always to grow the sport of swimming, and the National Parks and Recreation Championships presented by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., will increase opportunities and access to the sport and the excitement of competing on a national level.”.
This prelims and finals long-course competition will feature age group appropriate events in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley. Swimmers and teams must be members of USA Swimming and in good standing to compete. Meet information is available here.
“We have worked effortlessly over the past year to get our club ready to compete at this level and are thrilled to be a part of bringing this national event to life right here in Indianapolis,” said Jordan Elder, Senior Manager of Aquatics, Indy Parks and Recreation. “By creating an event of this caliber catered toward parks and community swim clubs, we bridge the gap for our community to see that they too can get involved in this wonderful sport that is swimming.”
“Our long-standing partnership with USA Swimming allows our two organizations to come together to continue breaking down barriers, creating access and exposure, and expanding opportunities to increase swim participation and decrease drowning rates, said Rasheeda S. Liberty, International President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “Being the presenting sponsor for this Inaugural National Parks and Recreation Championship helps to open minds and change attitudes regarding underrepresented populations and swimming.”
The National Parks and Recreation Championship is free to the public to attend. Volunteers are needed to support meet operations. If interested in volunteering, please fill out this form and further information will be dispersed.
Swimmers and their families are then invited to experience the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, presented by Lilly at Lucas Oil Stadium and community events throughout the city. The nine-day Trials runs June 15-23 and is the first-ever swim meet to take place within an NFL stadium. For more information and to buy tickets, visit here.
Keep up with all the latest USA Swimming news by following @usaswimming on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About USA Swimming
As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 400,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education. Our membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.
Contact: Nikki Warner (719-291-6828 / nwarner@usaswimming.org)
About Indy Parks and Recreation
Indy Parks and Recreation provides parks, greenspaces, trails, and recreation opportunities for Marion County residents and visitors. The agency offers 216 parks, 11,608 acres of greenspace, 130 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, 153 miles of trails, 23 recreation and nature centers, 20 aquatic centers, 22 spray grounds, 13 golf courses, and four dog parks. Indy Parks also provides a range of sports, art, education, and recreation programs and more than 2,400 programs throughout the year. For more information, visit indy.gov/agency/department-of-parks-and-recreation.
About Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded in November 12, 1922 on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis by Seven African-American Women Educators. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., has welcomed more than 10,000 collegiate and professional women from every profession. The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Ghana, Germany, South Korea, U. S. Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates, and most recently Japan. The organization also has active affiliate groups devoted to empowering women at different stages in life. The Rhoer Club Affiliates (teenage girls) and Philo Affiliates (friends of the sorority) also assist chapters with various service efforts and programs. For more information, visit www.sgrho1922.org.