Mission
GREATER RICHMOND AQUATICS PARTNERSHIP CHANGED ITS TRADE NAME TO SWIMRVA IN 2014. THE MISSION OF SWIMRVA (GRAP) IS TO SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR WATER SAFETY, HEALTH AND FITNESS, SPORTS TOURISM, COMPETITIVE AQUATICS, AND POSSIBILITY, FOR ALL RICHMONDERS. SWIMRVA IS BUILDING SOCIAL BRIDGES THROUGH AQUATICS THAT CROSS PHYSICAL, RACIAL, AND ECONOMIC BARRIERS. SWIMRVA IS WORKING TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY AS IT RELATES TO AQUATICS IN THE RICHMOND REGION BY FOCUSING ON UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES. 70 PERCENT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN DO NOT LEARN HOW TO SWIM AND A STAGGERING 50% OF THE POPULATION IN THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO SWIM. 79 PERCENT OF CHILDREN FROM HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOME BELOW 50,000 DO NOT LEARN HOW TO SWIM AND DROWNING IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH FOR ALL CHILDREN. SWIMRVA IS WORKING TO STOP THE CYCLE OF NON-SWIMMING GIVING RICHMOND RESIDENTS AN AVENUE FOR HEALTH EQUITY IN ALL CORNERS OF THE OUR REGION.