On Monday, April 7, 2014, USA Swimming and Sigma Gamma Rho announced the start of the Swim 1922 Contest, the first signature program of the ground-breaking partnership between the National Governing Body and the historically black sorority. The eight-week-long contest will allow sorority members to earn points and prizes based off their swim-related achievements as well as the achievements of their friends and family.
Matt Farrell, USA Swimming CMO
“This contest is all about encouraging participation, which is an important first step for the work we’re trying to do to make the sport available to everyone,” said USA Swimming Chief Marketing Officer Matt Farrell. “The women of Sigma Gamma Rho have been amazing partners with us in our mutual desire to effect change for the black community and this contest serves as the major kick-off for the programs we’ll continue for years to come.”
During the eight weeks of the contest period, women will be challenged to earn points individually and on behalf of their Sigma Gamma Rho region. Individuals will be able to earn prizes provided by USA Swimming sponsors such as TYR, Arena, and Speedo, as well as tickets to USA Swimming championship meets and other prizes.
“Learning a respect and joy for the water rather than fear and indifference is so important in the face of drowning statistics, especially in the black community,” said Sigma Gamma Rho International President Bonita M. Herring. “With seventy percent of black children not knowing how to swim, this contest is a good first step to get mothers, sisters, and everyone involved in a fun way to help drastically change those numbers.”
The grand prize for the region with the most points will be a private reception at the sorority’s bi-annual conference, the Boule, with special athlete and entertainment appearances including an appearance from Swim 1922 Spokeswoman, Olympic Silver Medalist Maritza Correia.
While earning prizes is exclusive to members of the sorority, outside individuals such as their friends and family, USA Swimming members, or anyone willing to help encourage the women can participate can do so by donating swim activity points to specific members or any of the five regions of Sigma Gamma Rho.
The contest will focus on swim-related participation both in an out of the water to encourage members and affiliates to either begin or increase their swim participation. Points can be earned by;
- Signing a Swim Pledge
- Taking Swim Lessons
- Swimming Laps
- Doing water aerobics
- Attending aquatic events
- Volunteering at aquatic events
- Becoming a member of USA Swimming
Throughout 2014 and beyond, USA Swimming looks to unveil more programs and services aimed at accomplishing the following goals set out at the inception of the partnership:
- Make water safety education and learn to swim programs a part of the sorority’s mandatory member curriculum and community services outreach.
- Provide an easy entry into the sport of swimming through the sorority’s more than 100,000 members and 500 chapters across the United States.
- Make water safety a mandatory part of their Rhoer Curriculum as well as part of their youth symposium and Project Reassurance teachings.
For more information about the Swim 1922 partnership and the Swim 1922 Contest, visit, http://www.usaswimming.org/sgrho
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. USA Swimming membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. Members can get involved through our more than 2,800 clubs across the nation. USA Swimming is also 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.
About Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University. Soaring To Greater Heights Of Attainment Around The World, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., as a leading national service organization, has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.
This release is courtesy of USA Swimming.