Make a Splash at the 2nd Annual HBCU Celebration Swim Meet and Water Safety Festival, Powered by Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom! Tuesday 12 December, 2023
Diversity in Aquatics (DIA) is excited to announce the upcoming 2nd Annual HBCU Celebration Swim Meet and Water Safety Festival. This captivating event will take place during the Celebration Bowl weekend on December 15 and 16 at the renowned Morehouse College Archer Hall Recreation Center, located at 830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA.
As the official outreach partner of the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, DIA proudly highlights the historical significance of aquatic pioneers from HBCUs. Among the participating teams in the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, Howard University stands out as the only HBCU with an NCAA Division I Swim and Dive Program. It is worth noting that NCA&T discontinued its women’s only team in 2016, leaving Howard University as the sole HBCU with such a program. Back in the 1980s, there were approximately 20 HBCUs with college-level swim and dive programs.
December 14th
The festivities begin on Thursday, December 14th, with 2x Olympians Maritza McClendon and Cullen Jones and World Cup Champion Sabir Muhammed. Joined by CNN’s Stephanie Elam, this group of Water Safety Champions will stop at David T Howard and King Middle Schools, concluding at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA at 5 PM. At each location, Water Safety Champions will delve into water safety, the HBCU Aquatic Legacy, and the exciting opportunities that unfold from learning how to swim. The Andrew and Walter Young YMCA will host a special viewing of the Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom film trailer.
December 15th
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 with a Developmental Swim Meet for new and experienced youth swimmers. Wade In the Water by Emmy Award Winner Cathleen Dean, sponsored by Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, will be shown to all participants. The film vividly captures the 1960s Civil Rights protests that effectively eradicated segregation from the state’s beaches and swimming pools, specifically in South Florida. Aligned thematically with Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, both storylines resonate with a powerful message of creating communities to create inclusive spaces for all.
December 16th
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.
The entire weekend’s events are inclusive and welcome students, alumni, and the wider community. This creates a valuable opportunity to create a lasting impact, foster greater representation in aquatic activities, and inspire a new generation of water enthusiasts and advocates for water safety.
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December 15th
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