Dear WAVE Aquatics Members,
As we resume programming, it is important that we also acknowledge the opportunity and obligation to support change in our sport. At WAVE Aquatics, we stand firmly against social injustice and condemn racism and discrimination of any kind. We are committed to enriching lives in the communities we serve by fostering inclusion and equity through our programs, and intentional actions.
At WAVE Aquatics we strive to welcome and support every member to develop and achieve their goals. At this point, however, we also know that our existing actions are still not enough, and so over the next year we will take the following steps to support the Black Lives Matter movement and actively work to make swimming a more equitable sport for all:
We will launch a scholarship program this fall to remove barriers to participation in WAVE Aquatics programs.
We will further organizational education at every level – board, staff, swimmers, and community – led by a newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.
We will collaborate with clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest on diversity and inclusion training and best practices.
We commit to openly acknowledge and communicate about racism and inequity in our sport.
We welcome your ideas and involvement in this effort. Together we will build a better team, better sport, and a better world. If you would like to share your thoughts, comments and ideas, or join the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, please email us at diversityandinclusion@waveaquatics.org.
Sincerely,
WAVE Aquatics Leadership