Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
USA Swimming is committed to increasing multicultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity at all levels of the sport to achieve and foster an inclusive swimming environment. In following with this commitment, Minnesota Swimming has established the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee.
The Mission Statement of the DEI Committee is as follows:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources |
| USA Swimming Central Zone Diversity Select Camp June 4-7, 2020 • Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center, Edwardsville, IL The purpose of the camp is to create an atmosphere of Motivation and Educational opportunities for athletes of underrepresented cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups to develop the necessary Leadership skills to achieve Excellence in their sport and their home communities. The deadline to submit the 2020 Central Zone Diversity Select Camp athlete application has passed. Eligibility: Any USA Swimming registered athlete member who is eligible to represent the USA in international competition: a U.S. citizen who has NOT represented another country in international competition, in the case of dual citizens (your sport nation must be the United States), meets the qualification time standards, has not previously attended a USA Swimming Zone or National Diversity Select Camp. Athletes must represent an underrepresented community and/or an ethnically underrepresented population that is less than 10% of the current USA Swimming membership. These populations can include: African American, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, Native American, LGBTQ+ and others. Visit the link at the top of the box for more info. |
| USA Swimming National Diversity Select Camp Each spring, USA Swimming invites 48 athletes from underrepresented populations to participate in a three-day camp program which includes pool training, motivational and education sessions and team-building activities. Selection is based on times swum at USA Swimming sanctioned events. The purpose of this camp is to instill a vision of success and inspire athletes from ethnically under-represented populations to become leaders in the sport of swimming. The deadline to submit the 2020 National Diversity Select Camp athlete application has passed for this year.
Recent #MNswim athletes selected to participate in the Camp include: 2020: Audrey Soetanto (AQJT), Evie Wood (MAKO), Yash Salunke (FOXJ) 2019: Claudia Chang (AQJT), Sydney Rogness (MAKO) Interview with 2019 Select Camp participant Claudia Chang: How are you selected for the NDSC? "You must be a member of a minority and fill out an application in January/February of that year. 13 athletes of each gender are then selected for having the fastest time in each of the 13 Olympic events (LCM), 3 athletes of each gender are selected based on IMX score, 3 athletes of each gender are selected based on outstanding performance in one or more events, and 5 athletes of each gender are selected based on Outreach membership status."
What is the training like?
"The training is challenging but it is very motivating to be training with fellow minority athletes who are just as fast as you! The coaches are also very knowledgeable."
What was your favorite memory?
"My favorite memory about the camp was the mock meet we had on the last day. We swam real events and fake events (such as the 50m doggy paddle) which made it entertaining. Everybody was motivated to swim fast for their team, and most of us were really close to our best LCM times even after having hard practices because of this."
How was diversity tied in?
"We had multiple guest speakers who were people of color and we also had Giles Smith talk to us so it was great to see people who looked like us and were successful in the sport of swimming and life. We talked about challenges that we face on our swim teams and how to educate other people in order to improve the situation."
Would you recommend applying?
"Yes! I had so much fun and made a lot of great memories. Going to the Olympic Training Center is super inspiring, you get to meet so many new people and make great friendships."
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