Swimming Hall of Fame to Move

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 10. The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), announced today that it plans to relocate to Hollywood Beach, Florida.

The nonprofit, educational organization has been headquartered in Fort Lauderdale since 1964.

The world-renowned architectural firm, HOK, designers of the Olympic Stadium in Sydney, Australia and other arenas around the world, will design the new International Swimming Hall of Fame.

A few months ago, Swerdlow Group entered into a partnership with the International Swimming Hall of Fame to examine potential sites for relocation. ISHOF Vice Chairman John Ebert stated, "Michael Swerdlow is a remarkable man. He and his group have assisted the ISHOF Board of Directors and Hollywood city officials in structuring a deal that appears to be a complete
"win-win" for everyone involved."

The Swerdlow Group will endow the International Swimming Hall of Fame in order to provide free swimming lessons and pool utilization for the citizens of Hollywood. The financial benefits of the partnership will eventually allow ISHOF to provide the City of Hollywood with six or more national and international television shows per year and over 100,000 room nights per year from aquatic competitions, camps, clinics and conventions.

The International Swimming Hall of Fame is a dynamic organization that provides programs and services to the world aquatic community. Relocating to Hollywood will allow ISHOF to fulfill its mission of being the worldwide focal point of swimming and its related disciplines including diving, water polo, open water swimming and synchronized swimming. ISHOF preserves the history of aquatics through its archives, museum and library and immortalizes the achievements and contributions of those who have distinguished themselves in aquatics.

ISHOF is officially recognized by FINA, the world governing body for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo and open water swimming, as its historical institution. The Hall of Fame is also committed to water safety, learn to swim, health, fitness, and swimming pool growth.

ISHOF President Sam Freas said, "ISHOF will continue to be a monument to the accomplishments of the past and will be a motivational force in swimming and its many disciplines in the 21st century. We’re looking forward with renewed enthusiasm to continuing ISHOF’s mission in our new home in Hollywood. ISHOF and Hollywood are a natural fit."

Freas praised Hollywood Mayor Mara Giulianti and the city commissioners and staff who played a critical role in the decision. ISHOF Chairman of the Board Sam Forester expressed his thanks to Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle and the citizens of Fort Lauderdale for being such good partners with the Hall of Fame.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use