COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, concluded its COVID-19 Relief Program with a second round of funding to member clubs on August 11 in the amount of $1,524,253. Nearly twice the number of clubs applied for grants in the second round, with submissions from 627 teams across 56 of USA Swimming’s Local Swimming Committees (LSC).

Launched in April 2020, USA Swimming’s COVID-19 Relief Program was a two-pronged initiative created to support clubs and members impacted economically by the pandemic and to support the clubs’ eventual return to the water. The applications, which were submitted between July 1-10, were reviewed by a team of staff, and USA Swimming and USA Swimming Foundation board members. Evaluation parameters included: whether the grant proposal clearly and effectively presented a strong case for immediate support, whether the grant proposal set forth a plan to support families in need to return to participation in swimming with the club, whether the club provided unique access in the community for the opportunity to swim competitively, whether the club achieved or initiated Safe Sport Club Recognition status, and whether the club received grant funding from the USA Swimming Relief Program for Teams in round one.

Overall, 722 clubs requested and received funding through the program, totaling more than $3 million thanks to the USA Swimming Foundation.

In collaboration with USA Swimming and its Foundation, the 59 LSCs around the country also committed their support to the sport by creating grant funding for their local member clubs. LSCs are administrative subdivisions of USA Swimming who provide jurisdiction over the sport of swimming, facilitating swimming programs and sanctioning, approving, observing, overseeing and conducting competitive swimming events, within the LSC boundaries. Together, the triumvirate provided more than $9,040,000 to the swimming community.

“Providing this level of support to our membership would not have been possible without our Foundation and LSC leaders coming together to make a difference,” USA Swimming President & CEO Tim Hinchey III said. “Our clubs and teams, the face of our sport in local communities, were confronted with the same challenges as any small business during this pandemic and needed our help to provide for our athletes and coaches. I am incredibly humbled and proud of this remarkable endeavor and to be a member of this community.” 

USA Swimming Foundation Board Chair Dr. Cecil Gordon added: “The USA Swimming Foundation and its Board of Directors were honored to give back and to play a pivotal role in supporting our membership base – a community that not only produces Olympic and world champions, but teaches children the live-saving skill of swimming.”

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