INDIANAPOLIS — The stage is set for the 2024 Olympic Swim Trials June 15-23. Indy is seeing a new sense of excitement for the sport as a result of the trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. Thursday, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis hosted a free community pool day.
More than 20 pool locations opened their facilities for no charge to encourage water safety and learning how to swim. Several activities were planned at each location and include water safety, giveaways and the collective challenge of swimming 4,000 miles. This symbolizes the distance from Indy to Paris, the host of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
"Indiana is a strong swimming state — our USA swimming clubs, our YMCAs, our community pools, our parks and recreations pools," said Jennifer Stoneking, association director of aquatic programming for the YMCA. "We have lots of water access, but in an Olympic year, especially with us hosting, it is really exciting to see the awareness and people's energy around swimming."
Thursday's events were just the beginning.
"Free concerts, families can join, be a part of the aqua zone, jump in ball pits, take pictures with the Eiffel Tower, just a ton of things to get us excited about this road leading to the trials that's ultimately leading to Paris," said Kim Thomas, head of community affairs for OneAmerica Financial.
This is a partnership between Indiana Sports Corp, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and sponsored by OneAmerica Financial.
No registration is required to participate, and it's not necessary to be a YMCA member.
Click here for organizations that offer swim lessons.