World-Class Para Swimming Comes to Mt. SAC; Volunteers Sought

August 11, 2026 - 03:56 PM

Some of the world’s top Para swimmers are headed to Mt. San Antonio College this month, and the Mt. SAC community has two ways to be part of the action: come cheer them on or volunteer behind the scenes.

Mt. SAC will host the 2026 Para Pan Pacific Championships Aug. 28-30 at the College’s Aquatics Center, bringing elite athletes from the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and  Brazil to campus for three days of international competition.

Admission is free, and faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are encouraged to bring family and friends to experience world-class Para swimming firsthand.

The championships will feature athletes with physical, visual or intellectual impairments competing under World Para Swimming rules. With the LA28 Paralympic Games just two years away, the competition also offers Southern Californians an opportunity to see athletes who are working toward competing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

“Mt. San Antonio College is honored to host the 2026 Para Pan American Pacific Championships, a world-class event that reflects our long-standing connection to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement and our commitment to equity and inclusion,” Mt. SAC President/CEO Dr. Martha Garcia said. “Hosting these championships creates meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and community to engage with and welcome exceptional athletes to our campus, while allowing us to proudly support their journey toward the LA28 Paralympic Games and showcase the heart of the Mt. SAC community on an international stage.”

Mt. SAC is seeking volunteers to help support athletes, coaches, officials and spectators throughout the three-day event. No swimming knowledge or previous experience is required, and training will be provided. Volunteer opportunities are open to people of all backgrounds and offer a chance to experience an international sporting event from behind the scenes while helping Mt. SAC welcome athletes and visitors from around the world.

Volunteers will fill a variety of roles throughout the championships, gaining event experience while supporting athletes competing at the highest level of their sport.  Anyone interested in volunteering can register by clicking this link.

Spectators are encouraged to fill the Aquatics Center and create an enthusiastic home crowd for the athletes. Admission is free throughout the championships.  Qualification rounds begin each day at 9:30 a.m. and are expected to continue until approximately noon. Championship finals begin at 5 p.m. and run until approximately 7:15 p.m., with medal ceremonies immediately following each evening session.

The Para Pan Pacific Championships will also begin a three-year run of major international Para swimming events at Mt. SAC. The College will host the 2027 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships followed by the 2028 U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials.