Swim Up Hill Launches Historic Swim Access Initiative in Stockton with Health Plan of San Joaquin, City of Stockton, and Valley Strong Credit Union
A first-of-its-kind partnership sets a new standard for sustainable, community-driven swim education
Stockton, California — A new chapter for aquatics equity is beginning in Stockton. Swim Up Hill Foundation, led by Paralympic medalist and equity champion Jamal Hill, has joined forces with Health Plan of San Joaquin, the City of Stockton, and Valley Strong Credit Union to launch a groundbreaking community swim access initiative.
Stockton Unites: Swim Up Hill, City Leaders, and Partners Launch Legacy Swim Access Initiative
This initiative is more than a program. It is a movement to ensure every child in Stockton grows up safe, confident, and connected to the water. By combining public infrastructure, private investment, and community leadership, Swim Up Hill is laying the foundation for long-term, affordable swim access that will impact generations.
“This partnership is not just about lessons, it is about legacy,” said Hill, founder of Swim Up Hill Foundation. “We are building a future where families in Stockton never have to fear the water but instead can see it as a place of strength, safety, and opportunity.”
A New Model for Equity and Sustainability
At the center of the initiative is a multi-year swim education fund designed to subsidize youth swim lessons, provide full swim gear, train local aquatics staff, and anchor Stockton in Swim Up Hill’s statewide All Roads Lead to LA28 campaign. The effort connects directly to California’s Olympic legacy, ensuring aquatics equity is part of the cultural momentum leading to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
In its first phase, the program will subsidize over 100 youth swim lessons, equip children with full swim gear, train aquatics staff across Stockton, host a community training session at the city pool, and establish a sustainability fund that will keep lessons accessible for years to come.
The campaign officially launched with a citywide festival that brought families, civic leaders, and community partners together in celebration of a shared vision: a Stockton where no child is left behind when it comes to water safety.
Voices from the Community
Jamal Hill added, “Stockton is showing the world what is possible when community, government, and private partners unite for equity. This is how we create a blueprint that other cities can follow.”
Call to Action
Swim Up Hill invites cities, donors, and businesses to join the movement. Contribute to the multi-year swim access fund. Partner on workforce training. Sponsor future community activations aligned with Olympic legacy programs.
MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@swimuphill.com
