Olympic British-Ghanaian swimming star Alice Nana Dearing, known for her excellence in open water events, has launched the SWYM (Swim With Your Meaning) Academy in Accra, Ghana, to expand her impact globally.
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Dearing aims to inspire excitement for swimming and encourage people to explore new depths through SWYM. Her goal is to support up to 250 individuals over the next four years.
In June 2021, Dearing made history as the first black female swimmer to represent Great Britain at the 2020 Olympics, showcasing her talent and dedication on the world stage. Beyond her achievements in swimming, Dearing has been a champion for inclusivity in the sport.
She was recognized on the BBC’s Powerlist of exceptional individuals in 2023 and co-founded the Black Swimming Association in 2020 to address the lack of representation of Black individuals in swimming.
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The SWYM Academy will launch on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in partnership with Achimota School. The academy will offer training programs focusing on technical skills, endurance, and mental resilience.
Dearing chose to partner with Achimota School due to its history of producing exceptional leaders, aligning with SWYM’s goal of nurturing leaders in the aquatic world.
Each cohort will receive 10 weeks of fully funded lessons, with 15 children and 5 adults trained by certified swim coaches.
Participants will also receive essential gear from Nike Swim, including swimming costumes and goggles, while swim brand Soul Cap will provide swimming caps.
Dearing emphasized the significance of Ghana in the SWYM story, as her mother’s homeland played a crucial role in her swimming journey. Now, she aims to give back to the community through the SWYM Academy.
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