Stephens to attend Cummings Lodge Secondary, gets donation from Giftland Mall

Feb 12, 2019 Sports

For Region Nine swimmer Coleen Stephens, the ‘only child’ for her parents, 2019 has started auspiciously without her even getting her feet wet.
The teenager, who gained two gold medals at the last National School’s Swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara, recently, became the first individual from her Region to be awarded a sports scholarship in Georgetown.

Coleen Stephens collects the donation from Giftland Staff.

It is understood that the talented swimmer is set to attend the Cummings Lodge Secondary School in Greater Georgetown and with her Swimming scholarship she will have access to the Aquatic Centre, which is two Villages away from her new school.
The historic Scholarship was made possible through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs after recommendations from Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports Dr George Norton.
The Department of Education held a small simple ceremony for her before her departure to attend an unnamed school in Georgetown and were putting together a farewell package for the young Swimmer who received a donation for the Giftland Mall, located in Liliendaal East Coast Demerara, shortly after her arrival in the City.

Giftland Mall is reportedly considering making Stephens, who celebrated her 16th birthday last September, a Brand Ambassador since she is the first from Lethem to gain a sporting Scholarship.

Proprietor of Giftland Mall Mr Roy Beepat with Coleen Stephens.

“I am elated! This (Scholarship) is a dream come true,” an excited Coleen vehemently exclaimed.
“I always wanted to improve my swimming and one day I hope to compete in the Olympics,” said Stephens who has been swimming in the Rupununi River since she was a toddler.
Quado Vancooten, who was appointed Swimming coach for the Region Nine team for the first time last year, says, Coleen is very talented but like the other hinterland swimmers, lacks the luxury of proper training facilities which has caused her development in the Pool not to be at the level that it should.
This opportunity should only improve Coleen’s technical development in the Pool and increase her hope of being an Olympian but also open doors for other talented youngsters from the hinterland. (Sean Devers)