CHICAGO (March 18, 2024) – The UIC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Chicago Masters Swim Club have extended their partnership through June 2028, it was announced Monday by UIC Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz and Club president Bob Lewis.
 
As part of the agreement, UIC's Flames Natatorium will continue to serve as the home for the Chicago Masters Swim Club for the next five years. In addition, the Club has pledged a generous donation of $315,000 to bolster the UIC swimming and diving programs. This contribution will not only facilitate scholarships for Flames student-athletes but also enhance the program's annual operating budget.
 
"Chicago Masters has partnered with the University to support its swimmers and divers for nearly 25 years," Lewis said. "We are grateful to UIC for providing the Flames Natatorium as our Club's primary home and we are excited to continue providing the Flames' swimming and diving program with this critical economic support well into the future."
 
The relationship between UIC and the Chicago Masters Swim Club dates back nearly a quarter century, with former Club president George F. Wendt playing a major role in the development of that partnership until his passing in September 2021. His legacy lives on through the Club's consistent and generous support of Flames' swimming and diving.
 
"UIC Athletics is proud of its longstanding partnership with Chicago Masters," Lipitz said. "Their support has provided vital resources for Flames student-athletes and our swimming and diving programs. We look forward to many more successful years together."
 
"We are extremely fortunate to have a tremendous connection with Chicago Masters," added UIC head swimming and diving coach Ashley Dell. "Their constant support of our program gives us substantial opportunities to better our student-athlete experience. We are lucky to have them as a partner and are eager to continue our relationship in the years to come."
 
The Chicago Masters Swim Club was founded in 1980 and offers a wide variety of swimming opportunities for all masters swimmers (ages 25 and older). It provides training at various skill levels, from competitive swimmers to members simply wishing to stay in shape. The Club trains six days a week (Monday-Saturday) at the Flames Natatorium.
 
For more information on UIC swimming and diving, visit UICFlames.com. Fans can also follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_SwimDive and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_swimdive and @uicflames).
 
Additional information on the Chicago Masters Swim Club can be found at chicagomasters.com.