Readers reach out to minorities.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)

Many times in the past, I have threatened to write to a magazine regarding an article I've read; this is the first time I have followed through.

I'm responding to the article on the lack of minorities involved in learning, and teaching, swimming (October 2005 issue). I am a PTA/aquatic specialist and have been involved in many aspects of aquatics, such as swimming lessons, Special Olympics, water aerobics, aquatic physical therapy and adapted aquatics. I have received Aquatics International for more than five years and try to attend as many aquatic conferences as possible. By the way, I am also African-American.

In many instances, I am the only person of color at aquatics gatherings. It's never mattered to me because I love aquatics! I only wish everyone did.

A few years ago, I taught swim lessons and water aerobics on the college campus of an historically black college. Unfortunately, 95 percent of my class participants were non-black. I couldn't seem to get the black population interested.

So I am offering my services to Aquatics International, USA Swimming or any other aquatics organization to bring aquatics to the minority masses.

Shari Collins, PTA, CMT

Aquatic Therapy Coordinator