WATCH: We are proud to be part of Swimmers of Colour — As Featured on BBC News

We’re incredibly honoured that Swim Design Space was featured in a recent BBC News article highlighting the Swimmers of Colour project and a powerful, community-led initiative that’s helping break down long-standing barriers in swimming for ethnically diverse people and in Gloucestershire.

This recognition means the world to us. It shines a spotlight on an effort that’s not just about learning to swim, but about making real, lasting change in people’s lives.

A Project About More Than Swimming

The Swimmers of Colour project is about far more than mastering strokes or pool technique. It’s about confidence, representation, and belonging. Created and led by Lives of Colour, and supported by Sport England and Active Gloucestershire, this initiative aims to tackle a serious and often overlooked issue, the lack of representation of Black adults and children in swimming spaces.

At the heart of this work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and seen in the water. Swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a life skill, a source of joy, and for many, a doorway to new opportunities.

We’re incredibly proud that our own Janice Oliver, Director of Swim Design Space, is the lead instructor for the programme here in Cheltenham. Her leadership, empathy, and lived experience make her uniquely suited to guide this effort with authenticity and passion.

In her own words, from the BBC article:

“I got into swim teaching because I looked around and couldn’t see anyone like myself being represented in the swimming world. I wanted to change that – and I figured for that you need to be in the room. That’s my passion.”

Janice’s passion radiates through every lesson she teaches, every swimmer she supports, and every barrier she helps to dismantle. It’s a reminder of how representation isn’t just important, it’s transformative.

Real Stories, Real Change

The BBC feature beautifully captured the impact of the project through the voices of its participants, people whose lives have been changed, not just by learning to swim, but by discovering newfound freedom and self-belief.

Take Sheba Mimano, for example, who now feels confident joining in water-based work trips, something she once avoided. Or Claire Meadows, who shared the joy of finally being able to jump into a swimming pool with her children on family holidays. These stories aren’t just touching, they’re testament to the power of inclusive access to sport.

At Swim Design Space, we see these transformations every day. The nervous first steps into the water. The spark of joy when someone floats for the first time. The pride in achieving something they never thought possible. These moments are why we do what we do.

Thank You to Everyone Involved

We want to take a moment to acknowledge and deeply thank the people and organisations that made this project, and this recognition, possible:

• To the Lives of Colour team: Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and shared commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for under-represented communities.
• To the participants: Your courage, openness, and trust inspire us every single day. Taking that first step into the water takes bravery, and we see you.
• To our coaches and team, especially: Thank you for showing up with heart, skill, and an unwavering commitment to change.
• To Sport England and Active Gloucestershire: Thank you for believing in the power of sport to unite, uplift, and heal.
• To the BBC team: Thank you for helping bring this important work to a national audience and for sharing these stories with such care.

What’s Next

This is just the beginning. With nearly 150 people already on the waiting list and a bold vision to welcome over 300 new swimmers through the programme in the next five years, the road ahead is full of possibility.

We’re expanding our efforts, looking to reach more communities, train more instructors, and continue building a future where swimming is for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or age.

If this story moved you, whether you're someone who wants to learn to swim, volunteer, or support our work in any way, we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can continue to make waves.