Olympic Park venue launches subsidised swimming programme to boost accessibility and inclusion

The programme, funded by a £37,585 grant from the Mayor of London’s Go! London Fund, is a collaboration between community organisation BADU and leisure operator Everyone Active. It seeks to address the historic underrepresentation of Black and Global Majority communities in swimming by providing accessible lessons at a world-class facility.

Go! London, a £19.5 million community sport fund backed by the Mayor of London, London Marathon Foundation, and Sport England, supports organisations working to reduce inequalities in physical activity for young people from low-income backgrounds.

The initiative at the London Aquatics Centre includes two projects and will serve families across the four Growth Boroughs - Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest - with a particular focus on Black and Global Majority communities who have historically had limited access to swimming.

Launched on February 25, the first project provides subsidised swimming lessons from beginner level, with a strong focus on family participation, allowing parents and children to learn together in parallel sessions.

More advanced swimmers will also have the chance to take part in the second project of the partnership, focusing on water polo and train in lifesaving skills, opening pathways for future instructors and athletes from within the community.

The second project creates a new grassroots pathway into water polo, partnering with West London Penguins and Swim England London Region.

BADU is a deep social impact organisation rooted in East London, driven by community needs rather than a fixed model. BADU operates across three pillars - Sports, Placemaking, and Mentoring - to equip individuals with skills and opportunities to thrive. Through ‘The BADU Way’, it tackles systemic challenges with innovative, community-led solutions, creating impact where it’s needed most.

Kevin Badu, Head of Sports at BADU, said: "This initiative stands out by creating lasting impact through inclusive, community-driven engagement, perfectly aligning with BADU’s mission to empower and uplift through education, sport and mentoring. The iconic London Aquatics Centre provides the ideal stage for this transformation, offering world-class facilities that inspire confidence and growth. Through this project, we aim to see individuals and families thrive - building resilience, connection, and lifelong essential skills."

Chris Wells, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "The London Aquatics Centre is a world-class facility that belongs to our whole community, and we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from it.

“Swimming is not just a life skill - it builds confidence, improves physical and mental wellbeing, and opens doors to further opportunities. By working with BADU, we’re not only teaching children and families to swim but also breaking down barriers that have historically limited participation.

“We hope this initiative will create a lasting impact, empowering more people to feel safe and confident in the water and paving the way for the next generation of swimmers and coaches."

Joshua Devine, Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active and the London Aquatics Centre and lead for the partnership, said: “This initiative is about strengthening existing community initiatives rather than duplicating them. Our vision is for the London Aquatics Centre to be a place where a new generation of young Londoners can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.”

The London Aquatics Centre, located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Next month, Everyone Active will mark one year since taking over operations. While the venue played a key role in the London 2012 Olympics, it also serves as a thriving community leisure centre, welcoming swimmers of all levels.

The centre features a 50m competition pool, a 50m training pool, and a dive pool, along with a gym and fitness class studio. All three pools are fully accessible, with the recent installation of a state-of-the-art PoolPod 3.0 in the main pool – a self-operated submersible lift that improves access for all users.

The programme also offers a pathway into Everyone Active’s main Learn to Swim Programme, ensuring long-term engagement in the sport for participants.

Local residents interested in joining the scheme can join via BADU, by contacting: [email protected]