USA Swimming Teams with Indy Parks and Recreation on New Event

USA Swimming and Indy Parks and Recreation have teamed up to host a four-day swim meet this week at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis.

The National Parks and Recreation Championship, presented by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, is the first 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 will compete in the event before the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium from June 15-23.

“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 will increase opportunities and access to the sport and the excitement of competing on a national level.”

The competition will feature age group events in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and individual medley. Swimmers and teams must be members of USA Swimming in good standing to compete. Following the competition, swimmers and their families are invited to experience the Olympic Trials and community events throughout the city.

“We have worked 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.”

The National Parks and Recreation Championship is free to the public to attend. Volunteers are needed to support meet operations.

“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 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.”