BCNY members competed with 650 swimmers nationwide at the 38th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet held at the Takoma Aquatic Center in Washington D.C.
Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet
This annual event was co-founded in 1987 by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) in honor of Black History Month. These two organizations have worked together every year since to produce the first swim meet in the nation to celebrate this important month that highlights the contributions of African Americans to US society. Since the very first year, DPR and UBF are proud that the Black History Invitational Swim Meet has fulfilled these goals and has grown from a small, local competition to one now hailed by USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming, as the “premier minority swim competition in the United States and in the World.”
Fostering a Lifelong Love for Swimming
Abbe Clubhouse Director, Orlando Nazario, who joined the event to support BCNY’s swimmers reflected on the importance of this meet and BCNY’s aquatics programs:
“Our continued support outside of the clubhouse is essential to our members’ growth, and the success of these young athletes is a testament to that commitment. I am especially proud to spotlight Kevin L., who had an outstanding performance. Kevin swam in four individual events, made it to the finals in every single one (100-yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle placed 15th out of 157 swimmers, 50-yard freestyles, and 100-yard butterfly), and placed 3rd overall out of 118 swimmers in the 100-butterfly event, earning a well-deserved bronze medal. Additionally, he contributed to his team’s success by placing third in the 200-freestyle relay for 15 and overs. His determination and skill are clear indicators of the positive impact our programs have on our members.
It is important to note that all three members, Kevin L., Bryan C., and Chris M. all come from our Learn to Swim program. They not only learned to swim through The Boys’ Club, but they have also fallen in love with the sport of swimming from the positive relationships and impact their swim instructors and coaches have created. Their achievements at this meet underscore the lasting impact our programs have on nurturing young talent, both in and out of the pool.
I would also like to acknowledge Arturo Puerto, last year’s Alumni of the Year, for his unwavering support. Arturo’s dedication to coaching, supporting, and caretaking of our members during the competition truly exemplifies the spirit of our community. His efforts in guiding these athletes both on and off the pool deck are a testament to our impact and paying it forward.
Together, we are making a significant impact and fostering a lifelong love of swimming and commitment to BCNY within our community.”