USA Swimming is replacing lane dividers with foam rafts in a splashy new attempt to build youth interest in the sport. The national governing body is selling sponsorship spots for SwimJitsu, a traveling pool obstacle course that is part-serious swimming, part-“Wipeout” (ABC's reality show). USA Swimming Dir of Communications Scott Leightman said a presenting sponsorship will sell in the low-six figures. Supporting sponsor spots also are available. SwimJitsu is a course that combines tests of entry-level swimming abilities with 10 obstacles or tasks. Participants pay $25 ($20 in advance at www.swimjitsu.com) to spend two hours in the course. North American Sports Group is running the tour stops. SwimJitsu is another iteration in USA Swimming’s SwimToday campaign that started in '14, which aims to convince youth recreational swimmers to consider it as a competitive sport. The tour starts June 13 in Denver, then will hit Phoenix, Orange County, Indianapolis, Chicago, Minnesota, Boston and Atlanta. Organizers said those interested in hosting a tour stop also should visit the website. USA Swimming Dir of Marketing Jim Fox compares it to the NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick program. Fox: "This is a new and compelling way to complement the traditional entry paths into the sport and introduce kids to swimming skills, comparing swim times and achieving goals."
