In preparation of this weekend’s 22nd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet (BHISM), Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes stopped by the Takoma Aquatic Center in Northwest Washington to motivate DC Wave swim team members to “Be the Water.” DC Wave is the District of Columbia’s only nationally-competitive, public youth swim team.
According to Clark E. Ray, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), which hosts the annual competition in conjunction with the United Black Fund, “This weekend’s event is going to demonstrate how DPR is contributing to Mayor Fenty’s vision of making the District a ‘world-class city’. Part of that transition is bringing our children world-class athletes like Ms. Dawes who can infuse them with greater possibility and promise.”
With over 30 DC Wave swimmers aged 5 thru 18 gathered around her, and their parents peering down from above, Ms. Dawes stressed the importance of finding one’s passion, developing a plan, and staying persistent in the pursuit of success. Dawes herself believes she has found her own passion and now works as a motivational speaker, part-time coach, broadcaster and spokeswoman for issues relating to women’s and children’s health and fitness.
“It is so important to make sure that children understand that they can achieve,” said John Cruzat, diversity specialist for USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming. “The BHISM highlights the very best in minority swimmers from across the nation and we want to be sure that athletes of every sport who understand what it is to persevere and succeed over the long-term have a chance to be exposed to the kids to motivate them. Dominique was a perfect fit.”
Since 1987, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the United Black Fund have joined to host the annual BHISM. “Be The Water”, the theme of this year’s event, will be held on Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17 from 7 am to 5 pm at DPR’s Takoma Aquatics Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW. Thirty swim teams comprised of over 800 swimmers will be competing in this weekend’s competition. For the first time in its history, the annual event will be running a dual meet.