USA Swimming Launches SwimJitsu as Fun, New Introduction to Swimming

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Creating a unique and fun introduction to launch newcomers to swimming, USA Swimming has developed SwimJitsu – a new grow-the-sport program that combines swimming, inflatable obstacles and cannonballs.

SwimJitsu is an in-water obstacle course that includes a series of entry-level swimming skills stages and 10 entertaining tasks. Participants become "swimjas" (a combination of swimming and ninja) by using traits such as wisdom, speed and agility.

Watch SwimJitsu in action.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin (Centennial, Colorado) has joined as a SwimJitsu Grandmaster to invite new swimmers to try SwimJitsu and, ultimately, join a swim team.

"Not every kid is going to get started swimming in the traditional way like I did. What I love about SwimJitsu is that it encourages kids to get in the pool and have fun in the water," said Franklin. "My coaches have always been creative about making the sport fun and this takes it to a whole new level."

"We found a winning formula with SwimJitsu, a mash-up of skill-based competitions such as football's Punt, Pass and Kick and skiing's NASTAR mixed with entertaining shows like Wipeout and American Ninja Warrior," said USA Swimming Marketing Director Jim Fox. "This is a new and compelling way to complement the traditional entry paths into the sport and introduce kids to swimming skills, comparing swim times and achieving goals."

Along with the SwimToday campaign, SwimJitsu is helping to reposition swimming as the #FunnestSport. This innovative primer to the sport gives a sampling of the fun and rewarding aspects of continuing in the sport. USA Swimming clubs will be on-site at the venues to provide tips, identify kids with an interest in swimming and invite them into a team to improve their skills.

"We are providing 'edu-tainment' to get the attention of kids and parents who wouldn't otherwise consider swimming on a team," said USA Swimming Chief Marketing Officer Matt Farrell. "What makes SwimJitsu such a winner is that it's pure fun for those who participate, a creative way to grow swimming participation and a sustainable and scalable program to run. We believe this year is the start of a long-running success story."

SwimJitsu will make an eight-city nationwide tour this summer, over a nine-week stretch. The sites and dates include:

• Denver, CO – Saturday, June 13
• Phoenix, AZ – Saturday, June 20
• Orange County, CA – Saturday, June 27
• Indianapolis, IN – Saturday, July 11
• Chicago, IL – Saturday, July 18
• Minneapolis, MN – Saturday, July 25
• Boston, MA – Saturday, August 1
• Atlanta, GA – Saturday, August 8

SwimJitsu is a partnership between USA Swimming and the North American Sports Group (NASG), one of the leaders in youth sports events. Other notable international properties under the NASG umbrella include Hoop it Up, Kick It 3v3 Soccer, Let it Fly flag football tour and the new Ultimate Field Day.

At each daily event, there will be multiple, two-hour sessions for participants to attempt unlimited runs on the course. Each timed shift requires a registration. Awards will be given at the end of each wave for the best times per age group. There will also be four ninja-themed swimming games for competitors to practice their newfound abilities. Advance registration is $20 per two-hour block per person, and $25 at the event site.

To find more information on SwimJitsu, register to participate or inquire about hosting a future event, visit www.SwimJitsu.com. To join the fun online, visit the SwimJitsu Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

About USA Swimming
As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 400,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education. Our membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.

About North American Sports Group
North American Sports Group (NASG) is the United States premier sports event agency providing fun, clean, safe and organized events. NASG, with offices in Denver, CO and Saratoga Springs, NY, has been America's leader in national grassroots youth sports tours for more than 25 years producing more than 100 annual grassroots events providing athletes, coaches, families and corporate partners with an unparalleled sports experience. NASG properties include: Kick It 3v3 Soccer, Hoop It Up 3x3 Basketball, Let It Fly Flag Football, Sticks Up Lacrosse and Ultimate Field Day. NASG is proud to be partnered with USA Swimming to introduce SwimJitsu to the United States in 2015.

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SOURCE USA Swimming