Derin Ozbas Named to USA Swimming National Diversity Select Camp Roster
GSCY Storm is proud to share that Derin Ozbas was recently selected to participate in USA Swimming’s Annual National Diversity Select Camp. He attended the camp from May 5-8 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
"It's a great honor to be part of USA Swimming's National Diversity Select Camp," said Mary Korey, interim GSCY Storm Head Coach. "This recognition speaks not only to Derin's athletic abilities but also to the leadership qualities that he demonstrates outside of the pool. Please join me in congratulating Derin for this tremendous achievement."
Derin was one of 52 swimmers from around the country selected to participate. The purpose of the camp is to instill a vision of success and inspire athletes from ethnically under-represented populations to become leaders in the sport of swimming. The National Diversity Select Camp brings together some of USA Swimming’s most diverse talent for an extended weekend of pool training, leadership development, team-building activities and learning. Coach Andrea Marumoto, GSCY Storm's Associate Director of Competitive Aquatics, attended the camp as well.
“The National Diversity Select Camp is an amazing opportunity for swimmers from diverse backgrounds to receive elite-level support, opportunity and exposure within the sport of swimming,” USA Swimming Diversity Equity and Inclusion Program Director Leland Brown said. “For many who attend, this is the first time they have the opportunity to compete and connect with swimmers, coaches and USA Swimming staff who look like them, which is such an important experience and opportunity for these athletes.”
A total of 45 clubs from 24 states were represented at the prestigious camp. Alumni of the program include 2021 Olympians Simone Manuel and Torri Huske.
The goal of USA Swimming’s National Diversity Select Camp is to:
- Demonstrate the viability of multicultural success in swimming
- Achieve performance excellence at every level of the sport
- Expound the benefits and value of participating in the sport of swimming
- Be positive leaders and role models that others from multicultural backgrounds can emulate.
The camp hosts swimmers between the ages 14 and 16 and selection is based on times swum at USA Swimming sanctioned events. For more information on the National Diversity Select Camp, please click here.
