| Black Star Line All-Star Swim Team |
Black Star Line All-Star Swim Team (BSLAST) is an Oakland Bay
Area traveling swim team created and established in 2005 for the
primary purpose of exposing swimmers of Afrikan Ancestry to
predominantly Black swimming venues throughout the United States.
In California, we find no swimming venues of this type. Why is this
important? Swimmers of Afrikan Ancestry are constantly confronted
with the issue of racism in the world of swimming. Many stereotypes
and myths are circulated to create the belief that swimmers of
Afrikan Ancestry are inferior and cannot succeed in the world of
competitive swimming. Competing in predominantly Black swim
meets provides them with a sense of belonging, a sense of "it's
possible". Building the psychological and spiritual foundation of our
swimmers sets a cultural standard of achievement.
Background
BSLAST was formed in the fall of 2005 by a group of Oakland
parents. These parents as well as others were concerned that there
were not enough African American swimmers represented at the
meets in California. What they found was that the children often felt
isolated and not welcomed. To help alleviate those feelings, the
parents made a commitment to encourage the participation of
African American youths in the sport of competitive swimming.
Black Star Line All Star Swim Team is a predominantly African
American Team. Our athletes are recruited through out the Bay
Area and many of them come from the inner-cities. The team
consists of boys and girls ranging in age from 6-17 years old. Our
swimmers cover a wide range of skill levels, from the novice,
seasonal to the year round swim club member. Our team strives for
success in teaching our youth the importance of setting positive
goals and working diligently together as a team to achieve those
goals.
In 2006, BSLAST entered a partnership with the Urban Services
YMCA. This new collaboration will allow both organizations to
combine resources to offer better programs, services and activities
to our youth. The Urban Services YMCA has become the lead fiscal
agent for Black Star Line All-Star Swim. All donations to Black Star
Line All-Star Swim is tax-deductible under the non-profit 501 (3)c
status of the YMCA.
Area traveling swim team created and established in 2005 for the
primary purpose of exposing swimmers of Afrikan Ancestry to
predominantly Black swimming venues throughout the United States.
In California, we find no swimming venues of this type. Why is this
important? Swimmers of Afrikan Ancestry are constantly confronted
with the issue of racism in the world of swimming. Many stereotypes
and myths are circulated to create the belief that swimmers of
Afrikan Ancestry are inferior and cannot succeed in the world of
competitive swimming. Competing in predominantly Black swim
meets provides them with a sense of belonging, a sense of "it's
possible". Building the psychological and spiritual foundation of our
swimmers sets a cultural standard of achievement.
Background
BSLAST was formed in the fall of 2005 by a group of Oakland
parents. These parents as well as others were concerned that there
were not enough African American swimmers represented at the
meets in California. What they found was that the children often felt
isolated and not welcomed. To help alleviate those feelings, the
parents made a commitment to encourage the participation of
African American youths in the sport of competitive swimming.
Black Star Line All Star Swim Team is a predominantly African
American Team. Our athletes are recruited through out the Bay
Area and many of them come from the inner-cities. The team
consists of boys and girls ranging in age from 6-17 years old. Our
swimmers cover a wide range of skill levels, from the novice,
seasonal to the year round swim club member. Our team strives for
success in teaching our youth the importance of setting positive
goals and working diligently together as a team to achieve those
goals.
In 2006, BSLAST entered a partnership with the Urban Services
YMCA. This new collaboration will allow both organizations to
combine resources to offer better programs, services and activities
to our youth. The Urban Services YMCA has become the lead fiscal
agent for Black Star Line All-Star Swim. All donations to Black Star
Line All-Star Swim is tax-deductible under the non-profit 501 (3)c
status of the YMCA.
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