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NSC Annual Vacation swimming programme launched
The Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth & Sports/ National Sports Commission’s (NSC) annual August Vacation Swimming programme was launched yesterday morning at the Colgrain Pool in Camp Street and attracted the biggest turn out ever with close to 300 children being registered for the four week programme.
Ivan Persaud, Chairman of the NSC, represented Director of Sports Christopher Jones who was unavoidable absent and told the large gathering of children and parents that in the past they had to beg for children to be sent to the programme.
“Regardless if you are sending them here because you want somewhere to leave them or that you are really interested in them learning swim, it does not matter and I thank you for sending them here. This is the biggest group we have ever registered,” Persaud said.
“Guyana is the land of many waters and everyday people travel from Vreed-in-Hoop to Georgetown by boat to go to work or school and most of them can’t swim. So learning to swim is a life skill that could actually save your life and prepare you to represent your country in swimming,” Persaud added.
Persaud, the President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), noted that the Goodwill Games are held once a year in five age group categories.
“We can’t find five little boys and Girls to swim in the under-8s. That’s shameful!” exclaimed Persaud.
He informed that according to a WHO report, over 400,000 children in the world die by drowning every year, adding that this programme is organised to help prevent that and produce National swimmers.
Gervy C. Harry, Administrative Officer from the Sports Ministry, explained that systems are in place from next year to have these programmes throughout Guyana.
Parents were told that since they are three sessions daily being at 09:00hrs so ensuring that their children arrive on time is very important.
It was also disclosed that after the four weeks about 30 children will be certified. The 6 to10 age-group will be taught to swim at the Colgrain Pool, while the 11 to 16s will be at the Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara.
The ceremony was opened with a prayer from Chairperson Ms Odessa De Barus, while Harry led the reciting of the National pledge before giving the Opening remarks.
Administrative Assistant Desiree Cummings provided an outline of the programme before the first session commenced.
(Sean Devers)
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