Mission: To unite African-American and Senegalese people through the sport of swimming, leveraging the waters that once divided us to foster mutual understanding and respect.

Vision: Through the shared experience of the Dakar-to-Gorée swim, The Gorée Project aims to dispel longstanding barriers and stereotypes between Africans and African-Americans. By showcasing excellence in Black swimmers and acknowledging the shared history and struggles of both communities, it seeks to inspire unity and a stronger future together.

BKS recognizes the underrepresentation of Black international leadership and the cultural disconnect between African-American and African communities. The Gorée Project serves as a proactive response, creating a platform for cultural exchange, reconciliation, and showcasing Black excellence through swimming.

Scope: This dynamic project encompasses several key components including cross-discipline swim training for our Swimbassadors, cultural education sessions, leadership training, and collaboration with Senegalese scholars and athletic figures to prepare for the Dakar to Gorée swim.

Productions:

• A series of webisode shorts detailing the Swimambassadors’ journey, training, and cultural exchange activities leading up to the swim.
• A post-event full-length documentary capturing the essence of The Gorée Project, including race day and festival participation to educate and inspire audiences globally.
• Establishment of an African-American leadership presence in Senegal through participation in the Dakar to Gorée swim.

All training and swimmer preparation for the Gorée Project will take place in the US.

The Dakar-to-Gorée race event takes place annually in the city of Dakar, Senegal, West Africa typically at the end of September.

The Goree Project was first initiated in 2020 by BKS. It was highlighted by a short web series following the preparation and journey of two former Howard University Swim Team Captains, Noah Nicholas and Skylar Smith.

Unfortunately, because of COVID outbreak, the Dak-Gorée 2020 race was cancelled and did not resume until 2023. This version of the Gorée Project is a continuation of that original initiative.

Possibly!

Our Swimbassador application process will be available VERY soon. Give us your email address to be notified.

Black Kids Swim (BKS) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Maryland, dedicated to changing Black people’s relationship with water.

BKS serves as an online community and platform aimed at dispelling the myth that Black children do not participate in swimming while encouraging them to enter, remain and excel in the sport.

The organization’s mission extends beyond swimming however, focusing on using the water to develop Black children into dynamic and confident leaders with an international mindset.

A Gorée Project Swimbassador is a Black Kids Swim representative participating in the Gorée Project and will ultimately complete the 3.5-mile open-water swim from Dakar to Gorée Island.

Swimbassadors are not just participants, but are also cultural ambassadors who will learn about and share their experiences in both American and Senegalese culture.

Swimbassadors are also meant to represent Black excellence in swimming, aiming to inspire unity and a stronger future between African-Americans and Africans.

During the lead-up to the race, Gorée Swimbassadors will undertake cross-discipline swim training to prepare for the 3.5-mile open water swim.

The training also includes physical and mental preparation for the challenges of the open water swim.

Yes. Travel, transfers, incidentals and accommodations and will be provided.

• The Gorée Project has a strong cultural education component, which includes:
  • Cultural exchange activities to foster mutual understanding and respect between African-Americans and Senegalese people.
  • Lessons from historians about the shared history of the African diaspora, including the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Exposure to Senegalese language and culture.
  • Collaboration with Senegalese scholars.

The project also aims to break down stereotypes that have kept African-Americans and Africans separate.

• The cultural exchange is intended to promote unity and a stronger future together by acknowledging the shared histories and struggles of both communities.

BKS will select one male and one female swimmer that best exemplifies excellence in the community, creativity, a compelling personal story and swimming ability.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an African-American swimmer
• Must have competitive swimming experience
• Must be available for required training and travel dates
• Must have a strong interest in African heritage and culture
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a passport or be able to acquire a passport
• Must be passionate about the mission of BKS
• Must be willing to be a transitional community leader

How to Apply

1. Complete the Call for Swimmers Form on this page: Provide your personal information, swimming experience, and a brief statement of interest.
2. Submit a Short Video (max 2 minutes): A personal introduction with why you want to be a part of the Gorée Project. We’ll ask for the video AFTER receiving your Call for Swimmers application.
3. Footage of you swimming (various strokes) submitted AFTER receiving your Call for Swimmers application..

Black Kids Swim (BKS) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Maryland, dedicated to changing Black people’s relationship with water.

BKS serves as an online community and platform aimed at dispelling the myth that Black children do not participate in swimming while encouraging them to enter, remain and excel in the sport.

The organization’s mission extends beyond swimming however, focusing on using the water to develop Black children into dynamic and confident leaders with an international mindset.