AquaGO! is a grassroots program that was created by Nova Scotia Artistic Swimming and Atlantis Swimming Club to teach aquatic literacy and introduce artistic swimming through creativity and play. This past season, the program welcomed over new 400 participants.
While AquaGO! focuses on four pillars: swimming skills, artistic swimming skills, athletic abilities, and flexibility, the curriculum also includes highly transferable skills that participants can bring to other aquatic sports. Some participants have successfully ventured into rowing, diving, racing, and water polo.
“We have some wonderful people involved in the program delivery who really care about making water sports a positive experience for all swimmers,” said Faye Evans, AquaGO! Coordinator.
While not all participants will venture into other sports, the program strives to inspire swimmers to love the water and take the skills they need to live a physically active life with the support from the AquaGO! community.
“Since the implementation of the AquaGO! summer programming in 2021, there has been tremendous growth in the sport’s participation. Representation of BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, and low-income groups have all increased with each new season. Male representation (in a traditionally female sport) has also increased. Overall, we have seen a 600% increase in annual recreational participation over the past two summers, which is a huge accomplishment,” said Evans.
AquaGO! can be adapted for athletes of all abilities via their all-ability sport methods, an integrated approach to ensure everyone receives the support they need and can participate without barriers. AquaGO! coaches are trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and undergo additional inclusion training to ensure all members feel welcome.
One of the biggest barriers starting out was creating awareness and buzz about the program. By creating marketing strategies, networking with local community groups, and leveraging financial support provided by funding partners like Sport Nova Scotia, the program has grown exponentially.
“There has been great community support, and aquatic directors from municipalities have been very open-minded and supportive about us bringing something new to their communities. As the program continues to grow, we hope to continue these partnerships and create new ones with local community groups to extend the reach of our programming,” said Evans.
The AquaGO! Program was made possible with the assistance of Sport Nova Scotia’s Sport Fund- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion grant. For more information about how Sport Nova Scotia can help support your community sport initiative, check out our website’s Sport Fund eligibility page.
