Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

Olympic Gold medalist, Cullen Jones, and world class diver, teacher, and scientist, Dr. A. Jose Jones, will be honored for their contributions to Black History at the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) 23rd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet, February 13 - 15, 2009 at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW.  The Invitational Swim Meet is open to the public for viewing and admission is free.

Co-founded in 1987 by DPR and the United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) to honor Black History Month, the Invitational Swim Meet has grown from a small, local competition to one now hailed by USA Swimming as the “premier minority swim competition in the United States and in the world.”  This year, the three-day Invitational Swim Meet will attract over 850 minority competitors, ages 5 to 18, from swim teams from Washington, DC, California, Alabama, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia. 

The Invitational Swim Meet was founded with the goals of providing urban youth the experience of a national competition, creating a positive outlet for self-expression, a forum of positive role models, and an opportunity for youth and their families to visit the nation's capital.  Beginning in 1989, the Invitational has honored African Americans whose contributions are known throughout the world to be recognized during the weekend’s events.  This year the Invitational will honor two individuals, Mr. Cullen Jones and Dr. A. Jose Jones.

“It is a genuine privilege for us to honor two amazing individuals that have made great contributions to both Black History and swimming in the United States, Cullen Jones and Dr. Jose Jones," said Clark E. Ray, Director of DPR.  "In addition to their personal achievements, they have both worked to share their talent and commitment by working to inspire and teach children and youth to swim.”

Olympic Gold medalist Cullen Jones is the second African-American to win an Olympic Gold medal in swimming and is an ambassador for African-American swimmers.  Mr. Jones made his mark on the world stage in 2005 at the World University Games when he became the first African-American male to win a Gold Medal at the World University Games in the 50 freestyle.  At the 2006 Pan Pacific Games, Mr. Jones became the first African American to break a world record in swimming in an Olympic contested event as a part of the USA’s 4 X 100 Freestyle Relay Team. He also won the 50 meter freestyle, swimming the fastest time in the world for 2006.  Mr. Jones was a 4 time ACC Champion and 2006 NCAA Champion from North Carolina State University.

Mr. Jones proved himself as one of the swiftest swimmers in the world in 2008 when he became the second African-American in history to win an Olympic Gold medal in swimming.  As part of the American 4 X 100 freestyle relay team, he helped win the 2008 Olympic Gold medal for the United States. 

Mr. Jones gives back to the community through motivational speaking, youth clinics, and even private lessons. He also works with USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash Program and is dedicated to helping minorities learn how to swim.  Mr. Jones will be honored at a special presentation during the Invitational on Saturday, February 14.

Dr. A. Jose Jones’ work as a swimmer, marine scientist, scuba diver, and teacher is unparalleled in the African American Community.  His work both professionally and personally has reached the lives of thousands, and during this work he has taught thousands, mostly children, how to swim.  In 1959 Dr. Jones founded the Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS) of Washington, DC, one of the oldest dive clubs in the world, to bring together African American divers. 

Highlighted by articles in Ebony, Ebony Man, Underseas Journal, and Underwater USA, black divers across the country learned of the efforts of UAS and Dr. Jones, and they wanted to be part of the excitement and camaraderie provided by UAS.  In 1991, to answer this now nationwide call, Dr. Jones co-founded the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, which has formed over 50 dive clubs in the United States and the world.

Dr. Jones has dived in more than 50 countries, certified more than 2,000 divers, and has been an educator and scientist for over 40 years.  Dr. Jones’ accomplishments have been recognized worldwide as he was named the 2008 Sport Diver of the Year by Sport Diver magazine and was selected as the DAN/Rolex International Diver of the Year in 2005.  Dr. Jones will be honored at a special presentation during Mayor Fenty's Invitational Swim Meet reception on Wednesday, February 11.

The Takoma Community Center – both the community center and the aquatic center - will be closed for regular use February 13 – 15 to accommodate the Invitational; it will resume regular hours of operation on Monday, February 16.

Support for the 23rd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet is being provided by the Potomac Valley Swimming Association, United Black Fund of DC, 100 Black Men of Greater DC, Subway Restaurants, Whole Foods Market Stores, Pizza Hut, Inc., American Pool Enterprises Inc., and UnderWater Wear LLC.

For more information about the 23rd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet, contact DPR Aquatics at (202) 671-1289.