Federation Internation-ale de Natation Amateur (FINA) senior coach Rick Powers is conducting a three-day level two coaching clinic here under the auspices of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA).
The clinic which commenced yesterday at the National Resource Centre in Woolford Avenue, aims at improving the quality of swimming and increasing the number of local coaches.
Powers who hails from the United States of America and has coached six swimmers at past Olympics said his objective is to improve the level of coaching in Guyana. He believes that once coaches are equipped with the level two certificate it will afford them better jobs in the sport and they will also improve the quality of swimming in Guyana.
Powers who was a head coach in seven countries and has conducted more than a 100 clinics in 52 countries is on his third visit to Guyana.
He said he was pleased to see so many new faces in the swimming fraternity and he hopes that this influences support, which “is needed to develop to the next level.”
President of GASA Ivan Persaud said the clinic will reduce the number of unqualified coaches here. Coaches from as far as Moruca and participants from Berbice and Essequibo were in attendance. Several coaches from Mahdia were also expected; Persaud was uncertain if transportation difficulties would have caused their absence.
“GASA’s initiative is to improve swimming in areas that have children and water,” Persaud stated. “Once there is an increase in coaches then the national and club championships would be better,” he remarked.
He added that when the clinic concludes on Monday, Powers will remain in Guyana for seven additional days to assist with the training of swimmers selected to participate in the Goodwill and Commonwealth games.
Director of Sport Neil Kumar, who officially opened the clinic, urged participants to utilize the opportunity that will assist their technical development and will in turn better develop the swimmers while preparing them for competition.
He noted that government had provided infrastructural support, pointing out that the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal was always available to GASA.
The more than 40 coaches in attendance will listen to lectures by Powers and reviews of swim meets before writing their exams on Monday.
