WASHINGTON – The Howard University Swimming and Diving Teams recently partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation, York YMCA, and the City of York, Pennsylvania to teach more than 70 African American and Latino youth how to swim.

The community event, titled "Make a Splash," was designed to increase minority participation in aquatics in one of York's underserved communities. The participants ranged from ages 5 to 17 years old. 

“Our program is committed to making a difference in changing the narrative that minorities, in particular, African-Americans, cannot or do not swim,” said Nick Askew, head coach of the Howard University Swimming and Diving teams. “We are the nation’s only HBCU with a swimming and diving program, and it is imperative that we are a part of the solution.  Our attendance and support in events like this are big steps in the right direction.”

According to a study by the USA Swimming Foundation, 64 percent of African-Americans have limited to no swimming ability. Additionally, 76 percent of parents reported that their children would be more likely to want to participate in swimming if they saw a talented swimmer that looked like them.

“We look forward to representing the University and the swimming world alike, in many future opportunities,” said Askew.

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(Photo courtesy of Howard University - those pictured were approved for photographs)

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu

Media Contact: Imani Pope-Johns, Imani.popejohns@howard.edu