Jacqueline Simoneau, OLY
Jacqueline Simoneau is a three-time Olympian, world champion and dedicated advocate for inclusive sport. As she completes her doctorate in podiatric medicine at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), she also serves on the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.
Inspired by the unifying power of sport, Jacqueline founded Aqua Unity, a global initiative in adaptive artistic swimming and aquatic sports. The project empowers young athletes of all abilities, fostering champions from diverse backgrounds while promoting the IOC values of excellence, inclusivity and global unity. Through her work, Jacqueline is committed to inspiring a healthier and more inclusive world through sport.
Aqua Unity expands opportunities in artistic swimming, focusing on adaptive components that ensure people with disabilities have equal access to participate and thrive. The project provides inclusive training workshops, summer camps and development programmes, connecting athletes, coaches and advocates around the world.
Since its soft launch in Budapest in 2024, Aqua Unity has built a growing network of partners and leaders, including collaborations in Egypt and beyond, and has already reached hundreds of young athletes. By combining elite-level knowledge with accessible, inclusive programming, Aqua Unity is breaking down barriers, creating safe spaces, and nurturing the next generation of champions.
SDGs
