Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) once again presented a lively sporting event through the Fun Swimming 2026 activity, held at the UNY Wates Campus Swimming Pool on Sunday (April 26, 2026). This event was part of the 62nd Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of UNY and served as a tangible commitment by the university to promote healthy lifestyles, education, and sustainable community development.

A total of 635 athletes from 59 clubs and schools participated in the event. They came from various regions, including the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Klaten, Muntilan, Magelang, Purworejo, and Kebumen. Since early morning, the swimming pool area at UNY Wates was filled with participants and supporters, creating a festive yet friendly competitive atmosphere.

The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Studies, Prof. Komarudin, who emphasized the important role of sports in shaping a healthy and competitive generation. “This Fun Swimming activity is very beneficial for children. We want to provide a healthy and enjoyable recreational space for all participants. It is not merely about sports, but also about building togetherness and a spirit of healthy living,” he stated.

More than just a competition, the event also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through aquatic sports, UNY encourages the development of healthy lifestyles from an early age while also creating inclusive spaces for social interaction.

The Head of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Tri Hadi Karyono, explained that the event is not solely competition-oriented but also focuses on coaching and strengthening networks among sports communities. “Fun Swimming is part of the UNY anniversary series aimed at promoting aquatic sports from an early age, strengthening ties among clubs and schools, and supporting UNY as a sustainable, excellent, creative, and innovative campus,” he said.

The competition was divided into several age groups, ranging from children born between 2013 and 2019. Various events were contested, including freestyle (25, 50, and 100 meters), backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley. This variety allowed participants to showcase their abilities according to their age categories.

Enthusiasm was not only shown by the participants but also by parents. One parent expressed appreciation for the event, noting that it motivates children to achieve and provides valuable competitive experience with other clubs.

Awards were also presented to winners, including the 25-meter backstroke champions in boys’ and girls’ categories for birth years 2017–2019. The selection of the UNY Wates Campus as the venue was also strategic, aiming to optimize campus facilities while strengthening engagement with the community in Kulon Progo and surrounding areas.

Through Fun Swimming 2026, UNY not only organized a sporting event but also created a collaborative space connecting education, health, and society. This initiative demonstrates how universities can actively contribute to sustainable development through real actions at the local level.