The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association intermediate coaching clinic commenced yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal with International Swimming Association (FINA) Coach Fabio Toro of Colombia promising to share with the participants his vast coaching experience gained over a period of four decades.
“I feel very contented sharing my knowledge at this workshop. I would like to share my 40 years of coaching experience with you, of the two Olympics I attended and the numerous champions I coached in Colombia,” Toro who also coaches local swimmer Jameela Sanmoogan said through interpreter and GASA president Ivan Persaud.
Persaud expressed his satisfaction with the hosting of the clinic and with the local association being able to accommodate coaches from Suriname for the five days adding that he was looking forward to the clinic aiding in the plans to develop swimming in Guyana.
Earlier, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, declared the clinic open in the presence of members of the local swimming fraternity, the Deputy Director of Sport, Brian Smith, the media and members of the Suriname Swimming Association.
Dr. Norton welcomed Toro in his opening address and said that he was grateful to Toro for committing to the task at hand.
“Mr. Toro, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, I want to thank you for being here. In my capacity as Minister responsible for Sport, I would like for you to let me know how I can help,” said Dr. Norton.
He encouraged the participants of the clinic to make the make full use of the opportunity to have the training and also urged them to spread their knowledge to the other parts of the country when they would have completed the course so that all the swimmers around the country would be able to benefit from the Colombian’s expertise.
He praised the GASA for the initiative to coordinate with the international swimming body, FINA, to host the clinic in an effort to develop swimming in Guyana.
“I am pleased to be here this evening. I want nothing more than to see the development of sport in every discipline in Guyana, and this here today, gives me the assurance that I have you, members of the GASA to support and help me to do so. I want to congratulate and commend the GASA for these clinics, which will be held in three phases, the coaches at this session, the officials next and later for the Open water coaching. “
Dr. Norton also spoke to the athletes present, encouraging them to keep up the hard work and to stay focused, saying that he believes the next medal for Guyana at the Olympic Games will be won in the pool.
Toro praised the National Aquatic Centre saying that the centre was a beautiful one based on the travels he has made in his career.
The clinic will run until Sunday.
