World Aquatics has celebrated the China Swim Day initiative, with a series of activations taking place in cities across the country to promote swimming’s contribution to health and wellbeing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping participated in China Swim Day, sending a powerful message that swimming is a lifelong skill with the power to transform lives.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam visited Beijing to mark the occasion, and praised China Swim Day for encouraging participation in the sport at all levels.
With the city set to host upcoming major aquatic sport events including the World Aquatics Diving World Cup – Super Final and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in 2026, along with the World Aquatics Championships in 2029, President Al Musallam also bestowed the title of Beijing: The Aquatics Capital City 2025-2029.
"This event is a powerful reminder that swimming is for everyone - every age, every background, every ability"
“China is showing the world what’s possible when a whole nation comes together to promote swimming - for health, safety and the joy of sport,” President Al Musallam said.
“We applaud the Chinese Government, the Chinese Swimming Association, and every coach, swimmer and family taking part in this beautiful celebration today, proudly being part of over 200 million daily engagements in swimming in China.
“From grassroots to greatness, China Swim Day is about building a culture of swimming that lasts a lifetime.”
World Aquatics Championships swimming gold medallist James Gibson and legendary two-time water polo world champion Felipe Perrone were among the global stars representing World Aquatics who joined celebrations across China, with events taking place in cities including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, Shenzhen and Wuhan.
World Aquatics encourages countries around the world to promote the transformative power of swimming and unite communities through aquatic sports.