USA Swimming is the national governing body for swimming in the United States, responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition. According to its website, it also is a "300,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education."
The organization just issued a statement regarding the 65 minority children and their Philadelphia day camp which had its club membership taken away at the Valley Swim Club in suburban Philadelphia. The statement is on USA Swimming's website here, but is as follows:
USA Swimming Statement on situation at Valley Swim Club in Pennsylvania (7/9/2009)
In response to the recent situation where 65 African American children had their club membership rescinded at the Valley Swim Club in suburban Philadelphia, PA, USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus, and Olympic gold medalist and African-American swimmer Cullen Jones have issued the following statements:
"The acts of blatant racism shown towards the young kids with Creative Steps Day Camp in Philadelphia have no place in America and should not be tolerated by anyone. As a member of the USA Swimming's National Team and an African-American in the sport of swimming, hearing about what's happened to these 65 kids is both disturbing and appalling. I work hard everyday through my efforts with the USA Swimming Foundation and Make a Splash to increase the exposure for as well as enhance the number of African-American and Hispanic young people entering the sport of swimming, not just because it's a great sport, but because learning to swim and understanding the importance of being safe in and around the water are life-saving skills that no one should be denied.”
- Cullen Jones, Member of the US National Swim Team and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist
"The alleged statements of the Valley Swim Club and its president, John Duesler, are disheartening especially as we are working hard to try to increase diversity in pools across America. We do hope this unfortunate incident, or others like it, will not prevent or dissuade young people of color or other minority children from learning to swim. All kids, regardless of ethnicity or economic backgrounds deserve the opportunity to learn to swim and enjoy the sport."
Chuck Wielgus, Executive Director, USA Swimming and CEO, USA Swimming Foundation
The Vally Club USA has violated the Civil Rights Act in its racist attitude and action against children from a summer camp who tried to swim there ("a lot of kids would change the complexion ... and the atmosphere of the club".
I hope that the Club will learn from the public outcry and bring its modus operandi up to the year 2009.
Nathalie Haymann
Western Australia, Australia
Don't go down the racist track which Australia still follows.
Posted by: Nathalie Haymann | July 15, 2009 at 10:47 PM