USA Swimming and Indy Parks and Recreation to Host Inaugural National Parks and Recreation Championship, presented by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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. 
 

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