The Black Surfing Association is a nonprofit offering surfing and skating lessons for young people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Its activities are encouraging members to revive forgotten aspects of Black heritage in the US and reclaim spaces that they’ve been historically excluded from.

After previously being banned at the Olympic Games, FINA has approved Soul Cap, a swimming cap for athletes with natural Black hair. The decision demonstrates the continued drive towards inclusivity in the mainstream as people reject performative gestures and decisions that threaten progress.

Adidas has partnered with Soul Cap to release a swim cap range for all hair types, promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the sport. Following FINA’s approval of Soul Caps in competitive swimming, this is an example of how brands can help break down social barriers in the pool.

The City of Bristol Aquatics Club has rolled out various schemes to encourage participation in swimming among ethnic minority communities. The initiative is an example of how brands can help people overcome societal obstruction to make a real difference towards participation and fair access.