Honolulu, Hawaii and The Woodlands, TX — In a powerful step towards closing the swim disparity gap in the Black community, a transformative retreat is being planned for 2025, focusing specifically on Black women aged 55 and older. This unique retreat will address the generational trauma, emotional, and mental health challenges that have contributed to the longstanding swim disparity within this demographic, offering a safe space for healing, growth, and newfound confidence in the water.
Participants will enjoy luxury accommodations in a private setting, perfectly suited for tackling aquaphobia and learning to swim. With access to a private pool for group lessons and optional private sessions, the retreat offers three full days of immersive swimming instruction, with three sessions each day led by certified instructors. The customized curriculum is designed specifically to address aquaphobia and promote water confidence among older Black women.
Beyond the pool, this experience offers a personal video blog keepsake to document the journey, a full water luxury day to celebrate accomplishments, and the opportunity to explore the beauty of Colombia. Participants will be treated to two meals daily in a peaceful, rejuvenating environment.
A Call for Sponsorship: Raising Awareness and Support
To bring this much-needed retreat to life, we are seeking sponsorship from businesses, community leaders, and philanthropic organizations who are committed to empowering Black women and closing the swim disparity gap. The retreat will offer a holistic program, including swimming lessons tailored to older adults, workshops on overcoming generational trauma, and sessions focused on emotional wellness and mental health.
“Sponsorship is vital to making this retreat a reality,” says Diamond Crystal, The Gallivanting Grandma™️. “Through collaboration with Tarise Singletary, CEO of Ignite This Ish, we are focusing on Black women aged 55 and older, addressing a community that has been historically marginalized and often overlooked in water safety initiatives. Our goal is to empower these women, like myself, with the skills and confidence they need to enjoy water activities safely and pass on this knowledge to younger generations.”
Why This Matters
Black women aged 55 and older are often the matriarchs of their families, influencing the attitudes and behaviors of their children and grandchildren. By equipping them with the tools to overcome their own fears and embrace swimming, we are not only protecting their lives but also ensuring that the next generation has a healthier relationship with water.
How You Can Help
We invite corporations, local businesses, and philanthropic individuals to become sponsors of this groundbreaking retreat. Your support will help fund scholarships for participants, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from accessing these vital resources. Sponsors will be prominently recognized in all promotional materials, at the retreat, and across our social media channels. Review our sponsorship packages at back2thewater.com/sponsorship.
Join us in making a lasting impact. Together, we can empower 55+ Black women to reclaim their confidence in the water and pass on a legacy of water safety to their families and communities.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, please contact us at info@back2thewater.com.
About Us
The Gallivanting Grandma™️, partnering with the Ignite This Ish organization, is committed to promoting water safety and closing the swim disparity gap within marginalized communities. Our mission is to empower Black women, particularly those aged 55 and older, through education, advocacy, and community support, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to stay safe in and around water.