27th Annual Black History Swim Meet Kick Off

Mayor Vincent Gray and Council Chair Phil Mendelson were on hand with United Black Fund chair Barry Lenoire as they celebrated the DC Wave Swim Team, their parents, and Coaches at the John O. Wilson building to hold the opening ceremony for the 27th annual Black History Swim meet. 900 swimmers from 30 teams from Chicago, Atlanta, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia, to name a few competed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in this U SA swimming sanctioned event. Past meets have include boyhood swimmers turned Olympians Sabir Muhammed and Cullen Jones. This years honoree was 97 year old DC Senior Olympian John Tatum who was recently featured with his brother Jack on competing and staying fit later on in life. Kudos have been extended to DC Parks and Recreation Director Jesus Aquirre, his Chief of Staff John Stokes and Aquatics and parks staff for an excellent showing. This meet takes place every year in February and is the premiere meet of its kind.