THETA ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SWIM 1922 CLINIC IN HARTFORD

Youth attendees at the 2025 Annual SWIM 1922 Water Safety Clinic (Photos: Brooklyn Green/ BK Exposure)

Hartford, CT — On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Theta Alpha Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosted its annual Swim 1922 water safety clinic at the Parker Memorial Community Center in partnership with the City of Hartford Parks and Recreation Department, the American Red Cross, Theta Alpha Sigma Greater Legacy Foundation, Inc. and a host of generous sponsors. The event welcomed approximately 85 community members and delivered a dynamic day of education, empowerment, and life-saving instruction—entirely free of charge.

A highlight of the event was hands-on swimming instruction led by Soror Doris Swarn, a certified water safety and swim instructor from Sigma Gamma Rho’s Zeta Nu Sigma Chapter in Boston, MA. Swarn worked with attendees of all ages to help improve swim confidence and reinforce safety in and around water.

Swim 1922 is a national initiative in partnership with USA Swimming that aims to combat the disproportionately high drowning rates in communities of color and build lifelong skills in water safety. The Theta Alpha Sigma Chapter has hosted this clinic annually during the month of May, reinforcing their continued commitment to public health and safety.

In addition to swimming instruction, the American Red Cross provided a special workshop on proper handwashing techniques for youth participants and offered hands-only CPR training to both adults and teens, adding another layer of lifesaving skills to the day’s programming.

Attendees received swag bags, certificates of participation, and a complimentary lunch, thanks to the generosity of our community sponsors and partners. Their support ensured that this impactful event remained completely free and accessible to all.

"We are incredibly proud of the turnout and the positive impact this event continues to have each year," said Terrika Foster-Brasby, National Programs Committee Chair and president of the chapter. "It's more than just learning to swim—it's about providing families with tools to save lives and feel empowered in aquatic spaces."

The Theta Alpha Sigma Chapter thanks all its sponsors, volunteers, and community members for making this year’s Swim 1922 clinic a tremendous success. Plans are already underway for an even bigger experience in 2026.

For more information about the Swim 1922 initiative or to become a future sponsor or partner, please contact the chapter at greaterhartfordsgrho@gmail.com

ABOUT SIGMA GAMMA RHO

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., is one of the largest Black Greek-letter organizations with over 500 chapters both domestic and international, and boasts 100,000 + members worldwide. Founded November 12, 1922, the sorority celebrated its 100th Centennial Anniversary in 2022.

The Theta Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has been serving the Hartford community since June 25, 1995. More information about the members, programs, and services of TAS, can be found on the chapter website at www.hartfordsgrho.org