This unique event was co-founded in 1987 by The United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to celebrate Black History Month.

 

The Invitational Swim Meet provides urban youth nationwide with a positive outlet for expression, exposure to strong competition, a forum to meet positive role models, and the opportunity to visit the nation's capital.

 

The swim meet is a two-day annual event that attracts nearly 1,300 minority competitors, ages 5–18, from nine DC, Maryland, Virginia teams, and  swim teams in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland, New York and other metropolitan areas throughout the United States.