DPR Customer Service:  (202) 673-7647
DPR Aquatics Office: (202) 671-1289
DPR Media Contacts: Gwendolyn Crump, (202) 288.6027, [email protected]
 

(Washington, DC) The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet (BHISM) to be held from Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, 2016, at DPR's Takoma Aquatic Center located at 300 Van Buren Street, NW. Takoma will close at noon on Thursday, February 12 in order to prepare for the BHISM, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

This year marks the largest contingent of the events history with more than 1,000 youth from 25 teams participating from the District of Columbia, the island of St. Lucia and 8 states including: Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia; in this three-day, highly competitive, national swim meet.

“The Black History Invitational Swim Meet was founded on the goals to nourish self-reliance, determination, and the spirit of fair play for youth and parents." said Director Keith Anderson. “The BHISM continuously provides a positive outlet for young competitors. The theme for this year’s event is 'Make A Splash, Be Legendary.'

The BHISM was founded in 1987 by Dr. Calvin Rolark and Dr. William H. Rumsey.  During the BHISM, youth athletes ranging in age from 5 – 18 will compete in standard swim events, such as the individual medley, freestyle, butterfly, relays, and back and breast strokes.  The BHISM is hailed by USA Swimming (the national governing body for the sport of swimming) as the “premier minority swim competition in the United States and in the world.”  DPR is proud to welcome back our Program Partners - Potomac Valley Swimming and Diversity in Aquatics – as well as all of our Program Sponsors.

An Honoree’s Dinner will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 7 pm to 10 pm. Invited guests to this year's honoree dinner include: Coach Gary Peterson of the Detroit Recreation Swim Team (DRST), Coach Tommy Jackson of the City of Atlanta Dolphins Swim Team (CAD) and Lee Pitts an internationally renowned swim instructor; Mayor Muriel Bowser, Deputy Mayor Brenda Donald, past BHISM honorees, event partners, sponsors, city officials and dignitaries.

The 30th Annual BHISM schedule is as follows and can be found on the BHISM webpage:

• Thursday, February 11 – Takoma Aquatic Center will close
   
• Friday, February 12 –
  Session 1. (13 & Older) | Warm up: 9 am to 9:50 am | First Event: 10 am
  Session 2. (12 & Under) | Warm up: 12:50 pm to 1:40 pm | First Event: 1:50 pm
   
• Saturday, February 13 –
  Session 3. (13 & Older) | Warm up: 6:30 am to 7:10 am | First Event: 7:20 am
  Session 4. (11 – 12) | Warm up: 11:40 am to 12:20 pm | First Event: 12:30 pm
  Session 5. (10 & Under) | Warm up: 3:30 pm to 4:05 pm | First Event: 4:15 pm
   
• Sunday, February 14 –
  Session 6. (13 & Over) | Warm up: 6:30 am to 7:10 am | First Event: 7:20 am
  Session 7. (11 – 12) | Warm up: 11:40 am to 12:20 pm | First Event: 3:45 pm
  Session 8. (10 & Under) | Warm up: 3:30 pm to 4:05 pm | First Event: 4:15 pm 

Due to the popularity of this annual event, and in celebration of our 30th year hosting the Black History Invitational Swim Meet, DPR is using a ticketing system for the first time this year.  Please go to #BHISM30 tickets to secure your free ticket(s) today.  Please note that any and all spectators (both adults and children) must have a ticket to gain entry to the Takoma Aquatic Center during the swim meet. Only swim teams, coaches, media and BHISM staff will be allowed on the pool deck. All patrons and parents must remain on the observation deck. 

Two pools will remain open for public use during the BHISM weekend. Wilson Aquatic Center and Barry Farm Aquatic Center will remain open on Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, 2016.  All other DPR Aquatic Centers will be closed on Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 15, as aquatics staff will assist at the meet.  All facilities will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2016 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.  Press Release: Select DPR Aquatic Centers to Close for the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet Weekend

For more information on the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet, please visit the BHISM webpage or call (202) 671-1289; and be sure to use the hashtag #BHISM30 and follow us @DCDPR on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
 

About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.
 

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