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By Kelsey Ashford
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, but is not a widely developed skill in the Black community. According to the USA Swimming Foundation, “64% of African American children do not know how to swim compared to 40% of Caucasian children” (Smith, 2020). The organization’s research also reports that “76% of parents report that their children would be more interested in learning to swim if they saw talented swimmers who looked like them” (Smith, 2020). Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. sees learning to swim as an opportunity for diversity and inclusion in its communities.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is an international organization dedicated to helping women and their families reach full potential. The Greek organization was founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, I.N. by seven young female educators. Members of the sorority in the Newberry area chartered the Nu Nu Sigma Alumnae chapter on December 12, 2021. The chapter members are eager to serve its community in the Newberry area and surrounding cities. Thanks to the vision of their founders and the drive of its charter members, the chapter strives to provide support to their community as they address concerns that socially and civically impact society. The Nu Nu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. celebrated their first annual swimming workshop, Swim 1922.
Swim 1922 is an initiative that the organization started in partnership with USA Swimming to strengthen both organizations’ commitment to teach water safety and swimming to adults and children in the Black community. On Saturday, May 21st, 2022, the Nu Nu Sigma Chapter hosted their first workshop to honor this program. To combat the fear and apprehension toward swimming, the chapter enlisted help from Jerry Young, a successful swimming instructor, to teach their youth the basics of swim technique and water safety.
The Saturday event took place at the YMCA in Newberry, S.C. Members of the Newberry chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. assisted Mr. Young with aiding the youths in the water. Chapter members assisted with teaching them how to be comfortable in the water and ensuring their safety by remaining at their sides during the lesson. Sigma Gamma Rho is dedicated to promoting swim participation and decreasing drowning rates in Black communities. “This is an informative event that is also fun for the kids,” said Chenelle Okoro, president of the Nu Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter.
The event was a great success in the eyes of the chapter. The chapter Vice President, Ravneet Kaur, added, “Swim 1922 offers opportunities for children to learn how to swim. It was heartwarming. It was our first-time hosting Swim 1922 as Nu Nu Sigma Alumnae chapter, and we had a great turnout. The young children were able to experience one-on-one training from an instructor who looked like them.” Refreshments were served during the event. Gifts were also provided to the participants, including swimming goggles and swim caps.
The Nu Nu Sigma Chapter looks forward to hosting more events that support the initiatives created by its organization. This year, the sorority will be celebrating 100 years of growth in sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Swim 1922 is one of many events that the chapter hopes to continue hosting to bring support and awareness to the Newberry community. For more information, please follow the Nu Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter at @nunusigma1922 on Instagram and Facebook.
Reference:
Smith, D. (2020, June 19). Why Can’t Black People Swim? Confronting Systematic Racism in Swimming. Retrieved from http://www.stonewallfitness.com/sports-diversity/why-cant-black-people-swim-confronting-systematic-racism-in-swimming.
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