The Julian Bott Memorial Scholarship Fund is a grant/financial assistance program available to children 2 to 18 years of age who are enrolled in Dad’s Club Aquatic Center’s Swim Start program and who are in good standing with the club.

Julian Bott was a lifelong swimmer and a member of Dad’s Club. Julian’s parents lived near the shore in Great Britain, so they knew the importance and vital need for enrolling him in swimming lessons early on. Through those lessons and through spending leisure time in the water, Julian learned to love swimming.

Julian’s passion for swimming brought him to Harvard University as a student athlete and team captain. Julian was also active in and enjoyed teaching the annual learn-to-swim lessons that were provided to the community by Harvard swimmers.

As a British record holder, Julian qualified for the 1980 Olympics to represent Great Britain in backstroke. The 1980 boycott dashed his hopes of attending the games. However, swimming was a sport that he continued through his adulthood.

The family of Julian Bott wants to ignite the love of swimming in others and to continue his legacy through a scholarship fund for swimming lessons for those who might otherwise not be able to afford it. The intent of this program is to provide financial aid to those swimmers who consistently demonstrate a sincere commitment to maximizing their swimming potential. 

Families may submit an application for the fund, which aims to provide assistance to 40 children a year between the ages of 2 and 18, so they can learn to swim.