The inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, which is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, was officially launched at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal yesterday.
The simple but significant ceremony was witnessed by throngs of registered participants who immediately commenced the journey of learning to swim following the end of the formalities which was attended by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.
Ramson Jr., during brief remarks stated that the programme will be a national initiative that will be undertaken during the month of July, adding that the eventual results of the participants will be dependent on their respective efforts.
He explained, “So, I want to congratulate you guys, this is a big step for you. We are going to hold your hands while you’re doing this programme. And in the end, you’re going to get out of it what you put in. We are going to be having it in Berbice and in Linden. We are expanding this programme in July.”
Meanwhile, Ninvalle stated that all safety protocols will be employed and enforced to ensure the well-being of every participant, noting, “Now, we are having you become swimmers under very controlled circumstances and we have 32 coaches that would be charting your course over the next month and we do hope that you grasp this chance that we’ve given, the MCYS and the NSC and you make full use of it.”
The initiative comes on the heels of the successful Easter Vacation Swimming Programme which was staged in April.
The programme, which will be conducted every Saturday and Sunday during the month of June, will be conducted at two facilities. They are the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, and the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown.
The initiative will occur from 14:00hrs-15:00hrs and 15:00hrs-16:00hrs respectively during the aforementioned period. The National Aquatic Centre will be utilized on Saturdays while the Colgrain Swimming Facility will be used on Sundays.
Experienced national coach Paul Mahaica will serve as the coordinator and lead trainer. The initiative is being formulated to be introduced to other parts of the nation, namely Linden and Berbice, during the month of July. To date, more than 1200 individuals have registered for the impending project.
